Caceres BA, et al. - Experts studied the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and modifiable risk factors for CVD (including mental distress, health behaviors, blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, and total cholesterol) in sexual minority women vs their heterosexual peers. Increased modifiable risk factors for CVD were seen in sexual minority women, but there was no difference in CVD diagnoses. The need for CVD prevention efforts that target modifiable CVD risk in sexual minority women, among several other emerging areas of research, were highlighted in this study.

Methods

• Researchers conducted a secondary analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2012).
• Experts performed multiple imputation with chained equations and ran logistic regression models adjusted for relevant covariates.
• Medical history and medication use were examined, as well as biomarkers for hypertension, diabetes, and high total cholesterol.

Results

• The final analytic sample included 7,503 individuals, with 346 sexual minority women (4.6%).
• Being younger, single, having a lower income, and lacking health insurance was more likely among sexual minority women.
• Excess CVD risk related to higher rates of frequent mental distress (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–2.88), current tobacco use (AOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.53–2.91), and binge drinking (AOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17–2.34) was seen in sexual minority women after covariate adjustment.
• Obesity (AOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.23–2.33) and having glycosylated hemoglobin consistent with prediabetes (AOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.04–2.34) was more likely in sexual minority women.
• For other outcomes, no differences were observed.