Researchers highlight cardiovascular health risks in transgender populations

Researchers are highlighting a critical lack of medical data regarding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks within transgender, gender-nonconforming, and nonbinary populations. A perspective piece published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine suggests that health disparities and knowledge gaps are impacting these communities, particularly concerning the interactions between CVD and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

While cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for 26.4% of all deaths, scientists from institutions including Boston University, Yale University, and the University of Toronto note that trans individuals may experience disproportionate rates of CVD. Although current guidelines suggest testosterone-based HRT may increase risks for symptoms like high blood pressure, researchers indicate that all transgender people may face an elevated risk of CVD compared to cisgender individuals, regardless of hormone use.