Pride 2023: AHA’s Pride With Heart promotes health equity and wellness
dallasvoice.comIn support of Pride Month, the American Heart Association announced Tuesday that it is promoting awareness and health education for all people across the spectrum of diversity, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.
According to the AHA’s 2021 scientific statement “Assessing and Addressing Cardiovascular Health in People Who Are Transgender and Gender Diverse,” higher levels of heart disease among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are linked to the stress of experiencing discrimination and transphobia at personal and societal levels.
This population faces unique personal stressors that often result in negative coping behaviors that may complicate an individual’s cardiovascular health including a poor diet, elevated body mass index, low physical activity and a smoking rate up to 2.5 times higher than heterosexual and cisgender adults. “Recognizing and addressing the health care needs specific to the LGBTQ+ community is vital to the American Heart Association’s mission,” volunteer president of the American Heart Association Michelle A.
Albert, M.D., M.P.H. said in the organization’s newsroom announcement. “More research and advocacy are needed to understand this community’s unique health challenges.
