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Heart Health Matters: Understanding Cardiovascular Risks in Sexual Minority Women

Beau Callahan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research sheds light on the unique cardiovascular challenges faced by lesbian and bisexual women. Learn how to take control of your heart health."

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death for women worldwide, but recent research highlights a concerning trend: sexual minority women (lesbian and bisexual) may face a disproportionately higher risk. This increased risk isn't necessarily due to inherent biological factors, but rather a complex interplay of social stigma, mental health challenges, and lifestyle factors that can impact heart health.

The groundbreaking study, published in Women's Health Issues, delves into data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001-2012. By comparing CVD risk factors between sexual minority women and their heterosexual peers, researchers aimed to identify modifiable factors that could be targeted for prevention efforts. This article breaks down the study's key findings, offering actionable insights for sexual minority women and healthcare providers alike.

Understanding these unique challenges is the first step toward empowering sexual minority women to take control of their heart health. By addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting preventative care, we can work toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.

Key Findings: Unveiling the Risks

Diverse group of women walking towards a glowing heart

The NHANES data, encompassing 7,503 women (346 identifying as sexual minority), revealed some significant differences in CVD risk profiles. Sexual minority women in the study were more likely to be younger, single, have lower incomes, and lack health insurance – all factors that can contribute to poorer health outcomes. After adjusting for these demographic differences, several key modifiable risk factors emerged as being more prevalent in sexual minority women:

One of the most striking findings was the increased rate of frequent mental distress among sexual minority women. This highlights the impact of social stigma and discrimination on mental well-being, which in turn can negatively affect physical health.

Frequent Mental Distress: Significantly higher rates, reflecting the impact of stigma and discrimination.
Current Tobacco Use: More than double the rate compared to heterosexual women.
Binge Drinking: A higher prevalence, indicating potential coping mechanisms for stress and discrimination.
Obesity: A greater likelihood, pointing to potential lifestyle and dietary factors.

The study also found that sexual minority women were more likely to exhibit glycosylated hemoglobin levels consistent with prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. While the study didn't find significant differences in self-reported hypertension, high cholesterol, or diagnosed CVD, the increased prevalence of these modifiable risk factors paints a concerning picture for long-term heart health. It is like a warning alarm on how important to maintain a healthier balanced life and address mental stress and discrimination stress

Taking Action: Empowering Heart Health

The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address CVD risk factors in sexual minority women. These initiatives should focus on creating inclusive and supportive healthcare environments, promoting mental well-being, and addressing lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and dietary habits. We can promote better awareness and management of symptoms.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.whi.2018.03.004, Alternate LINK

Title: Cardiovascular Disease Risk In Sexual Minority Women (18-59 Years Old): Findings From The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012)

Subject: Maternity and Midwifery

Journal: Women's Health Issues

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Billy A. Caceres, Abraham A. Brody, Perry N. Halkitis, Caroline Dorsen, Gary Yu, Deborah A. Chyun

Published: 2018-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the key findings regarding cardiovascular disease risk in sexual minority women?

Recent research indicates that sexual minority women (lesbian and bisexual) may face a disproportionately higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This isn't primarily due to biological factors but rather a combination of social stigma, mental health challenges like frequent mental distress, and lifestyle factors such as current tobacco use, binge drinking and obesity. The study published in Women's Health Issues, used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001-2012, comparing CVD risk factors between sexual minority women and their heterosexual peers, in order to identify modifiable factors that could be targeted for prevention efforts.

What specific modifiable risk factors were found to be more prevalent in sexual minority women according to the NHANES data?

The NHANES data revealed that sexual minority women were more likely to experience frequent mental distress, use current tobacco, engage in binge drinking, and have obesity. They were also more likely to exhibit glycosylated hemoglobin levels consistent with prediabetes. While self-reported hypertension, high cholesterol, or diagnosed CVD weren't significantly different, the increased prevalence of these modifiable risk factors suggests a concerning trajectory for long-term heart health.

What types of interventions does the study suggest to address cardiovascular disease risk factors in sexual minority women?

The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions focusing on inclusive healthcare environments, mental well-being promotion to address issues like frequent mental distress, and lifestyle modifications to tackle current tobacco use, binge drinking, and dietary habits which leads to obesity. These interventions aim to empower sexual minority women to take control of their heart health and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

How are mental health challenges, like frequent mental distress, linked to increased cardiovascular risk in sexual minority women?

The connection lies in the impact of social stigma and discrimination on mental well-being. Higher rates of frequent mental distress, stemming from these societal factors, can negatively affect physical health, increasing the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy behaviors like current tobacco use and binge drinking. These behaviors, in turn, contribute to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity.

The study didn't find significant differences in hypertension or high cholesterol. Why is there still cause for concern regarding cardiovascular health in sexual minority women?

While the study didn't find significant differences in self-reported hypertension or high cholesterol between sexual minority women and heterosexual women, the higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as prediabetes, current tobacco use, binge drinking, and obesity among sexual minority women is a significant warning sign. These factors can lead to hypertension and high cholesterol over time, ultimately increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. It highlights the importance of preventative measures and early intervention to address these modifiable risks.