22 Jun Bisexual Men Face Greater Risk of Heart Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Caceres
Billy A. Caceres, PhD, RN, AGPCNP-BC
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
New York, NY 10010
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: Although current evidence, primarily based on self-reported data, suggests gay and bisexual men report higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors (such as poor mental health and tobacco use) than heterosexual men, few studies have examined heart disease risk in this population. This study is one of the few studies to examine heart disease risk in gay and bisexual men using biological measures.
Using data from a nationally representative sample we identified higher rates of mental distress, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes among bisexual men compared to exclusively heterosexual men after adjusting for traditional risk factors (demographic characteristics, mental distress, and health behaviors). We also included men who identified as heterosexual but report a history of same-sex sexual behavior. Gay and heterosexual-identified men who have sex with men displayed similar risk profiles to exclusively heterosexual men.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: A robust body of literature has documented health disparities among sexual minority (gay and bisexual) men related to mental health and HIV/AIDS. These findings highlight the important role of sexual identity on cardiovascular health. As more healthcare organizations include sexual orientation (sexual identity and sexual behavior) items in their demographic questionnaires, it is particularly important for healthcare providers to understand the role of sexual identity on health outcomes. Our findings suggest there is a need for primary and secondary prevention of heart disease for bisexual men.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?
Response: Although we measured acute stress, there is a need to examine how chronic stressors that are common in gay and bisexual men (such as discrimination and victimization) might impact their cardiovascular health. In addition, the observed differences in risk profiles between bisexual men and heterosexual-identified men who have sex with men suggest that sexual identity, not sexual behavior, may be associated with excess heart disease risk. These are important areas in need of further research.
Disclosures: Thank you for your interest in our work. We have no disclosures.
Citation:
Sexual Orientation Differences in Modifiable Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnoses in Men
Caceres Billy A., Brody Abraham A., Halkitis Perry N.
Dorsen Caroline, Yu Gary and Chyun Deborah A.
Published Online:11 Jun 2018
https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2017.0220
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Last Updated on June 22, 2018 by Marie Benz MD FAAD