US: Study finds stressful life events are linked to cardiometabolic risk in LGB people

A review of data from a national youth study has shown LGB people are at significantly increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes due to stressful life events.

Researchers analysed data from the National Longitudinal Study for Adolescent Health, a national study following US youth into young adulthood.

LGB people participating in the study were found to have a statistically significant elevation in cardiometabolic risk, which includes cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

There was no relationship found between stressful life events and cardiometabolic risk among heterosexual individuals studied.

Researchers suggested more work needs to be done to determine why there is a correlation.

A 2012 study in the US found sexual minority stress combined with age-related stress is endangering to the mental health of middle-aged and older gay men.

A 2013 study in the US found people living with HIV are nearly 50% more likely to have a heart attack.

In 2013, The US National Institutes of Health pledged $1.5 million (£1.01 million) toward a study to learn why 75 percent of lesbians are obese.

• Dec 01 2023

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