Comorbid cardiovascular diseases and HIV in LGBTQ PoC

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of deaths worldwide. Data suggest people who identify as sexual/gender minorities (SGMs) or LGBTQ have greater CVD risk due to experiences of social marginalization compared to heterosexual counterparts. Parallel to this, evidence suggests People of Color (PoC) have an elevated risk for CVDs compared to White individuals. In addition to high CVD burden, LGBTQ PoC are also disproportionately affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This chapter details the comorbidity of heart disease and HIV. Moreover, psychosocial risk factors (RFs) overlapping with heart disease and HIV are highlighted. The chapter ends by exploring the role of intersectional discrimination, HIV, and heart disease.