Transgender Cardiovascular Health: Practical Management for the Clinician

Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2022 Sep;24(9):721-730. doi: 10.1007/s11883-022-01047-1. Epub 2022 Jun 29.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Transgender individuals represent a growing part of our population with current trends indicating that clinicians will be treating more transgender patients in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Current cardiovascular guidelines lack recommendations for transgender care secondary to limited data in this population. As we await future guideline recommendations, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature and practical management strategies related to transgender cardiovascular health.

Recent findings: Transgender individuals are at higher risk for some cardiovascular diseases compared to their cisgender counterparts. Gender-affirming hormone therapy, concomitant health conditions, lifestyle habits, access to services, and quality of care all contribute to this finding. While it is likely both safe and appropriate to apply current CVD guidelines to the care of transgender men and women, clinicians should consider additional factors in risk assessment and address unique aspects of care at every visit.

Keywords: Cardiovascular health; Clinical management; Gender-affirming care; Hormone therapy; LGBTQ; Transgender health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Assessment
  • Transgender Persons*
  • Transsexualism* / therapy