LGBTQ+ People and Stroke

LGBTQ+ adults experience significant psychosocial stressors that compromise their health across the life span.
A person is giving a piggyback ride to another person holding a rainbow flag in an urban park setting.

Stroke impacts Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+) communities at higher rates — yet many risk factors go undetected or untreated.

  • The majority of LGBTQ+ adults report experiencing discrimination from a health care professional, leading to delayed care and unmanaged health issues.
  • Bias, stereotyping and a lack of culturally sensitive providers are barriers to quality care.
  • Social stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ people put them at higher risk for mental health disorders and chronic stress, which can lead to long-lasting damage to the body and brain.
  • Chronic stress, discrimination and less access to health care may contribute to higher risk of stroke.
  • Some stroke risk factors can’t be controlled — such as age, gender, social conditions, family medical history and previous strokes. But up to 80% of strokes may be prevented by making lifestyle changes and managing your medical conditions.

Stroke Risk Factors in LGBTQ+ People

  • Stress
  • High blood pressure
  • HIV/Aids
  • Not exercising regularly
  • Smoking
  • Hormone therapy
  • Obesity

How to Control Your Risk

  • Know your numbers (ex: blood pressure, cholesterol).
  • Eat more fruit and vegetables.
  • Reduce salt in your diet.
  • Increase physical activity.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Lose excess body weight.
  • Manage stress.
  • Take any recommended medications.
  • Talk with your health care team about your personal risk(s).
front side of the Let's Talk About LGBTQ+ People and Stroke resource

Learn more about risk factors and ways to control them by reading the fact sheet.

Let’s Talk About LGBTQ+ People and Stroke

Additional Resources