Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease

June 2010 | Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)

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“"As the body ages, the heart's functioning begins to decline, pumping blood at slower rates and taking in less oxygen during strenuous activities—this decline puts older adults at a greater risk for heart attacks, heart disease, hypertension and stroke."”

Studies have shown lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults are less likely to access mainstream health care service providers, have health insurance, and seek treatment or care, putting them at greater risk for poorer overall health and developing chronic, but manageable, conditions. Addressing four common areas of concern for LGBT older adults—Diabetes, Falls Prevention, Heart Disease, and HIV/AIDS—SAGE created the health series, "Take Charge of Your Health," to spread knowledge and best practices to aging successfully.