Bisexual women have a higher risk of heart disease than straight women.
Scientists warn that sexual orientation may pose a previously unknown risk of cardiovascular problems.
They believe that marginalization has something to do with the find, but accept that it is unusual. No increased risks were identified in homosexual women or homosexual or bisexual men.
LGBT groups have long been known to be at increased risk for various health problems, including depression.
Women who are sexually attracted to their own gender and the opposite sex have a higher risk of heart disease, researchers suggest (stock photo)
In the latest study, scientists from the Columbia School of Nursing, New York, analyzed data from 12,180 men and women with an average age of about 40 years.
This included 5,600 straight women, as well as 270 bisexual women, 82 lesbian women and 52 who said their sexuality was “something else”.
Each was given a cardiovascular health score from 0 to 100 based on their diet and physical exams.
Those who scored 80 to 100 were considered “good” heart health, while those who scored 50 to 79 were “fair” and those below 50 were considered “poor.”
Bisexual women had lower scores compared to heterosexual women, mainly due to nicotine exposure and a higher body mass index.
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Higher levels of stress due to “discrimination and/or rejection by their gay/lesbian and straight peers” will also increase the risk.
However, no differences in cardiovascular disease were found between other groups of sexual minority adults and their heterosexual counterparts.
However, bisexual men were twice as likely to report a diagnosis of high blood pressure as straight men. It was not clear why there was this difference.
The study also found that gay men generally outperformed their straight counterparts.
Scientists at the Columbia School of Nursing, New York, suspect this is because gay men tend to have better diets and are less likely to be overweight.
They said they also sought medical care more often than straight men.
Scientists have urged doctors to consider patients’ sexuality in treatment and disease risk factors.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, claiming an estimated 695,000 lives each year.
People who are overweight, smoke, have high blood pressure, exercise less and eat an unhealthy diet are at greater risk of getting the condition.
This paper is believed to be the first to link bisexual women to a higher risk of heart disease. Previous research has also indicated that the group may have a higher risk of breast cancer.
For the paper, published in JAMA Cardiology, scientists used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a US agency-sponsored study of adult health.
They also said that financial concerns make bisexual women more likely to live in poverty and delay health care.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
