Most people do not think of sexual orientation as a risk factor for heart disease, but a recent study reveals that bisexual women may have worse CVH than heterosexual females.
The researchers examined data from 12,180 participants, the average age being 39. Almost half of those people were female. The data came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2016).]
Why Bisexual Women May Have Poor Heart Conditions?
According to a new study, bisexual women may have poorer cardiovascular health than heterosexual females. Bisexual ladies were around half as likely as straight females to have higher heart health ratings, owing to “nicotine exposure and greater body mass index.”
According to a news statement from the Columbia School of Nursing, the researchers also identified additional stress, less sleep, and a higher risk of diabetes among bisexual women.
Yet, bisexual men were twice as likely as heterosexual males to report having high blood pressure. It was unclear why there was such a disparity. The survey also discovered that gay men scored higher than their heterosexual counterparts.
Experts from the Columbia School of Nursing in New York hypothesized that this was due to gay men having better diets and being less likely to be overweight. They also stated that they were more likely to seek medical attention than heterosexual men.
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Other Contributing Factors
Dr. Dung Trinh, chief medical officer of Irvine Clinical Research and a physician with Memorial Care Medical Group in California, feels that when treating heart disease, healthcare practitioners should address the distinct health demands of different sexual orientations.
According to Dr. Trinh, many of the lifestyle factors influencing cardiovascular health, such as smoking status, alcohol use, food choices, and exercise habits, differ depending on a person’s cultural background or sexual orientation.
Dr. Trinh also recommends that physicians make appropriate referrals to community resources or support groups as needed.
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