Lesbian and Bisexual Women at High Risk for Poor Heart Health – Study

Cardiovascular health has been a pressing matter globally. Certain demographics, such as lesbian women, are more susceptible to heart health concerns, according to new research.

This study revealed the surprising discrepancies in cardiovascular health among various genders. Let’s delve deep into the findings that address the significance of conformed healthcare for everyone.

Research recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association digs into cardiovascular health differences among different sexual orientations in France.

The study found that bisexual and lesbian women may have lower cardiovascular scores than heterosexuals. Surprisingly, bisexual men or gays surpassed heterosexuals on their heart health scores which are only evident in those living in urban areas.

Lesbian, bisexual women have worse heart health compared to heterosexual counterparts https://t.co/Ewp19ZBWT6 #ScienceTwitter

— Medical News Today (@mnt) May 18, 2023

This recent study followed the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” as their basis for observing cardiovascular health. This tool emphasizes eight vital lifestyle behaviors and health aspects.

The eight health factors are healthy diet, physical activity, enough sleep, weight control, blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring, abstinence from tobacco products, and cholesterol levels.

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Omar Deraz, the study’s lead author, noted that “improving these metrics is a great opportunity to prevent heart problems before they happen.”

A Heart.org report said that this research is the first time that a study used Life’s Essential 8 to evaluate the cardiovascular health of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. The study also considered health data from an estimated 169,400 adults, which includes 91,000 women.

Notably, in this research, 93% are identified as heterosexual women, while 0.61% are lesbians, and 3.5% are bisexuals.

A Deeper Look at Lesbian Women and Heart Health

After adjustments of certain factors like age, family history of heart disease, and socio-economic factors, the research revealed that bisexual and lesbian women achieved lower scores in cardiovascular health than heterosexual females.

The lesbian women’s health scores were lower in terms of blood pressure and healthy diet. Moreover, bisexual women have more excellent scores for healthy diets but have higher scores for nicotine exposure.

This shows the slight differences in health behaviors and results even within the LGBTQ community. Furthermore, Previous studies show that LGBT adults are less likely to use healthcare.

They instead delay treatment compared to heterosexuals. With these findings, Deraz emphasized the significance of overcoming some hindrances to healthcare access.

In addition, he also believes that revising cultural awareness and competencies of the risk for cardiovascular conditions to make it better can improve debates about heart health between patients and doctors.

Psychological Stressors: A Hidden Danger to Heart Health

The research authors emphasized the connection between increased risk of heart disease and psychosocial factors. These stressors are attempted suicide, depression, violence, discrimination, and heightened social stress.

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults reported more experiences of depression symptoms, anxiety disorders, and attempted suicide. They have more reported cases than heterosexual adults.

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However, lesbian women reported fewer depression symptoms and anxiety problems than heterosexual women. It shows a need for more research into these differences.

While this study gives significant insights, it comes with limitations. For instance, the findings may not apply to other countries.

France, for example, gives universal healthcare assistance that other countries may not have. Moreover, the study Aldo did not include heart health records for transgender individuals.

A staff cardiologist not involved in the research, Dr. Connie Tsao, said, “To fully address discrimination and disparities that impact health, we must better recognize and understand the unique experiences of all individuals and populations, including sexual minorities.”​

Overall, this study is crucial to better understanding cardiovascular health differences among various sexual orientations, specifically bisexual and lesbian women. It highlighted the importance of broad research and healthcare tactics which could open doors for better health results for everyone.