Purpose: Our aim was to expand existing evidence on structural determinants of cardiovascular health disparities among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults by examining sexual orientation differences in the impact of sexual orientation-related nondiscrimination laws on 30-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Methods: We analyzed data from Waves III (2001-2002), IV (2008-2009), and V (2016-2018) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Sexual orientation was categorized as exclusively heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, bisexual, or gay/lesbian. We categorized changes in sexual orientation-related nondiscrimination laws between Waves III-IV as no change (reference group), increased, or decreased. We assessed 30-year CVD risk at Wave V using the Framingham Risk Score. We ran sex-stratified regression models to examine whether the association between changes in sexual orientation-related nondiscrimination laws and 30-year CVD risk was moderated by sexual orientation. Results: The sample included 3768 participants (mean age [standard deviation] = 28.7 [±1.72] years) of whom approximately 77% were White, 11% Hispanic, and 51% female. Compared with exclusively heterosexual participants, an increase in nondiscrimination laws was associated with lower CVD risk among mostly heterosexual women (B = -5.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -8.50 to -1.59) and gay men (B = -10.22, 95% CI = -19.05 to -1.39). There were no significant differences for other LGB subgroups when compared with exclusively heterosexual adults. Conclusions: Increasing laws that prohibit sexual orientation-related discrimination may play an important role in reducing CVD risk among some LGB subgroups. These findings can inform structural-level interventions to reduce CVD risk among LGB adults.

BACKGROUND:Cardiovascular health (CVH) disparities have been documented among sexual minority adults, yet prior research has focused on individual CVH metrics. We sought to examine sexual identity differences in CVH using the American Heart Association's composite measure of ideal CVH, which provides a more comprehensive assessment of future CVD risk. METHODS:Data from the All of Us Research Program were analyzed. Sexual identity was categorized as heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, or other. Individual CVH health metrics and cumulative ideal CVH (range 0-100) were assessed. We ran sex-stratified multiple linear regression models to estimate differences across individual CVH metrics and cumulative ideal CVH between sexual minority and heterosexual adults. We also explored differences in CVH across racial/ethnic and age groups. RESULTS:The sample included 11 047 cisgender adults with a mean age of 61.1 years (± 13.85); 80% were non-Hispanic White. Lesbian women, gay men, and bisexual women reported greater nicotine exposure than their heterosexual counterparts. Compared to heterosexual men, gay men (B [95% CI] = -8.95 [-14.50, -3.39]) had worse physical activity scores. Gay men also had better body mass index scores than heterosexual men (B [95% CI] = 3.21 [0.09, 6.33]). Bisexual women and men had lower cumulative ideal CVH scores than heterosexual adults. Exploratory analyses revealed several differences in individual CVH metrics and cumulative ideal CVH across racial/ethnic and age groups. CONCLUSIONS:Clinical interventions to improve the CVH of bisexual adults are needed. Findings can inform the design of interventions that are tailored for specific subgroups of sexual minority adults.

Introduction: Discriminatory policies are associated with worse mental health and substance use outcomes among sexual minority adults. Despite a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than heterosexual adults, there is limited evidence on structural determinants of cardiovascular health among sexual minority adults. Therefore, we examined whether changes in sexual orientation-related nondiscrimination laws were associated with 30-year CVD risk among sexual minority and heterosexual adults. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that changes in sexual orientation-related nondiscrimination laws would be more strongly associated with 30-year CVD risk among sexual minority adults relative to exclusively heterosexual adults. Methods: We used longitudinal data from Waves III (2001-2002), IV (2008-2009), and V (2016-2018) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. We assessed changes in four state-level sexual orientation-related nondiscrimination laws (i.e., employment discrimination, same-sex marriage, hate crime statutes, and same-sex adoption) between Waves III and IV. Changes in sexual orientation-related nondiscrimination laws were categorized as unchanged (reference), improved, or worsened. We assessed 30-year CVD risk using the Framingham Risk Score at Wave V. We ran sex-stratified linear regression models adjusted for demographic factors to examine whether the association between change in nondiscrimination laws with 30-year CVD risk was moderated by sexual orientation (i.e., exclusively heterosexual, mostly heterosexual, homosexual/bisexual). Results: The sample included 3,827 participants with a mean age of 28.7 (±1.75) years, of whom 83.1% identified as exclusively heterosexual, 51% as female, and 15% as Black. Compared to heterosexual participants of the same sex, an improvement in nondiscrimination laws was associated with lower 30-year CVD risk among mostly heterosexual women (B -4.57, 95% CI = -8.06, -1.08) and homosexual/bisexual men (B -10.91, 95% CI = -19.33, -2.49). In contrast, compared to exclusively heterosexual women, a worsening of nondiscrimination laws was associated with higher 30-year CVD risk among homosexual/bisexual women (B 5.26, 95% CI = 0.30, 10.21). No differences were found between mostly heterosexual and exclusively heterosexual men. Conclusions: Findings suggest that efforts to enhance policies prohibiting sexual orientation-related discrimination may significantly reduce CVD risk among sexual minority adults.

Introduction: Sexual minority (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer) adults appear to be at higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than heterosexual adults. Although social determinants of health have been shown to contribute to cardiovascular health (CVH) disparities in the general population, there is a dearth of research examining these determinants in sexual minority adults. Objective: Using the World Health Organization’s definition of social determinants of health, we conducted a systematic literature review to synthesize and critique existing evidence on social determinants of CVH among sexual minority adults. Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and performed a comprehensive search of literature published between January 2011 and March 2022. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed, English-language, and examined associations between social determinants of health and CVH outcomes among sexual minority individuals 18 years old or older. CVH outcomes were CVD risk factors (including diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity) and CVD conditions (such as stroke, heart attack, and coronary artery disease). We performed quality appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies and Cohort Studies. Results: Our search retrieved 2,133 studies, of which 18 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 were cross-sectional and two used longitudinal designs. All 18 studies had a low risk of bias. The majority (n = 17) included predominantly White samples. Overall, the findings were mixed. Stressful life events were associated with elevated CVD risk. Individuals who reported living in more supportive environments had lower odds of being overweight; however, greater disclosure of sexual minority status was associated with higher odds of being overweight. Living in rural settings was associated with higher odds of obesity and hypertension. Experiences of discrimination were not associated with any CVH outcomes. Findings for interpersonal trauma (e.g., adulthood trauma, childhood trauma), education, religious activity, and relationship status were mixed. No studies examined social determinants at the structural level. Conclusions/Implications: Findings highlight social determinants that may serve as targets of clinical and public health interventions to improve the CVH of sexual minority adults. Future longitudinal research is needed that includes more diverse samples and examines multi-level social determinants of CVH, including at the social and structural levels.

This article summarizes existing evidence on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and CVD diagnoses among sexual and gender minority adults and provides recommendations for providing nursing care to sexual and gender minority adults with CVD. More research is needed to develop evidence-based strategies to care for sexual and gender minority adults with CVD.

Background: Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Self-measured blood pressure (SMBP) monitoring has been identified as an effective strategy to achieve BP control among adults with hypertension. Although there is growing evidence that sexual minority (e.g., gay/lesbian, bisexual) adults are at higher risk of hypertension than heterosexual adults, there is no data on hypertension self-management among sexual minority people with hypertension. Methods: We used data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine differences in SMBP monitoring between sexual minority and heterosexual participants with hypertension. Participants were asked questions regarding SMBP monitoring at home, including whether they were advised by a healthcare professional to check their BP at home, regularly checked their BP at home, and if they shared their home BP readings with a healthcare professional. We ran sex-stratified logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic factors and healthcare utilization, to estimate differences in SMBP monitoring between sexual minority and heterosexual participants. Results: The sample included 25,461 participants with a mean age of 54.1 ( ± 16.8) of which 95.1% were heterosexual, 1.7% were gay/lesbian, and 2.2% were bisexual. Although there were no differences in the odds of being advised by a healthcare professional to check their BP at home, lesbian women were more likely than heterosexual women to report taking their BP at home (AOR 1.23, 95% CI = 1.03-4.85) and sharing their home BP readings with a healthcare professional (AOR 2.31, 95% CI = 1.04-5.17). In contrast, bisexual women were less likely than heterosexual women to report taking their BP at home (AOR 0.59, 95% CI = 0.43-0.81) and sharing their home BP readings with a healthcare professional (AOR 0.56, 95% CI = 0.40-0.78). No differences in SMBP monitoring were found between sexual minority and heterosexual men. Conclusions: As the first examination of sexual identity differences in SMBP monitoring among adults with hypertension, this study addresses important knowledge gaps within cardiovascular and sexual minority health research. Lesbian women with hypertension exhibited more favorable self-management behaviors compared to heterosexual women. However, bisexual women with hypertension were less likely than heterosexual women to engage in SMBP monitoring. Findings suggest there is a need for clinical interventions to improve hypertension self-management among bisexual women.

Introduction: Although cardiovascular health (CVH) disparities have been documented among sexual minority (e.g., gay/lesbian, bisexual) adults, research has been limited by a focus on sexual identity differences in individual, rather than composite, measures of CVH. Composite measures of CVH provide more comprehensive assessments of future cardiovascular disease risk. Methods: We analyzed data from the All of Us Research Program to examine sexual identity differences in CVH using the American Heart Association’s Life's Essential 8 measure of ideal CVH. Participants received a score from 0-100 for each CVH metric. We calculated an unweighted average to determine cumulative ideal CVH (range 0-100). Higher scores indicated a more favorable CVH profile. We used sex-stratified multiple linear regression models to estimate differences in individual CVH metrics and cumulative ideal CVH between sexual minority and heterosexual adults. All models were adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, household income, education, and insurance status Results: The sample included 6,597 participants with a mean age of 63.3 years (±13.89) of which 57% were female and 79% were Non-Hispanic White. Lesbian women (B = -7.43, 95% CI = -13.20, -1.65), gay men (B = -6.39, 95% CI = -10.17, -2.61), and bisexual men (B = -7.41, 95% CI = -14.71, -0.10) had less favorable nicotine exposure scores than their heterosexual counterparts of the same sex. Gay (B = -9.65, 95% CI = -16.60, -2.71) and bisexual men (B = -14.12, 95% CI = -27.53, -0.72) had less favorable physical activity scores than heterosexual men. Bisexual men also had lower cumulative ideal CVH scores than heterosexual men (B = -5.22, 95% CI = -9.16, -1.29). In contrast, gay men had more favorable body mass index scores (B = 6.23, 95% CI = 2.24, 10.22) than heterosexual men. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine ideal CVH in sexual minority adults in the All of Us Research Program. Findings have important implications for the development of interventions to promote optimal CVH among middle-aged and older sexual minority adults. Interventions to reduce nicotine exposure are needed for lesbian women and sexual minority men. Efforts to improve the CVH of sexual minority men should also focus on increasing physical activity.

Introduction: Hypertension accounts for approximately half of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality globally. There is growing evidence that younger sexual minority (e.g., gay and bisexual) men and bisexual women report a higher prevalence of hypertension than their heterosexual counterparts. However, there is limited evidence on differences in hypertension prevalence, awareness, and treatment among sexual minority middle-aged and older adults. Therefore, we sought to examine differences in hypertension prevalence, awareness and treatment between sexual minority and heterosexual middle-aged and older adults. Hypothesis: Compared to heterosexual adults, sexual minority participants will: 1) have a higher prevalence of hypertension, 2) be less likely to be aware of their hypertension, and 3) be less likely to obtain hypertension treatment. Methods: We analyzed questionnaire, physical examination, and diagnostic data from the All of Us Research Program. We used sex-stratified multivariate logistic regression models to examine sexual identity differences in objective hypertension (i.e., a systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 80), hypertension awareness, and hypertension treatment among adults. Results: The sample included 53,582 participants with a mean age of 56.3 years (±16.4); 66% were female and 78% were non-Hispanic White. Among men who met objective criteria for hypertension, bisexual men were less likely to report they were unaware they had hypertension compared to heterosexual men (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52-0.88). There were no differences in hypertension prevalence or hypertension treatment between sexual minority and heterosexual adults. Conclusions: This is the first study to use data from the All of Us Research Program to examine disparities in hypertension prevalence, treatment, and awareness among sexual minority middle-aged and older adults. We found few differences between sexual minority and heterosexual participants, which contradicts prior work that has largely focused on younger adults. Findings suggest that researchers should investigate factors that contribute to the narrowing of hypertension disparities among sexual minority adults as they age.

Importance:Research on the cardiovascular health (CVH) of sexual minority adults has primarily examined differences in the prevalence of individual CVH metrics rather than comprehensive measures, which has limited development of behavioral interventions. Objective:To investigate sexual identity differences in CVH, measured using the American Heart Association's revised measure of ideal CVH, among adults in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants:This cross-sectional study analyzed population-based data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2007-2016) in June 2022. Participants included noninstitutional adults aged 18 to 59 years. We excluded individuals who were pregnant at the time of their interview and those with a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heart failure. Exposures:Self-identified sexual identity categorized as heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, or something else. Main Outcomes and Measures:The main outcome was ideal CVH (assessed using questionnaire, dietary, and physical examination data). Participants received a score from 0 to 100 for each CVH metric, with higher scores indicating a more favorable CVH profile. An unweighted average was calculated to determine cumulative CVH (range, 0-100), which was recoded as low, moderate, or high. Sex-stratified regression models were performed to examine sexual identity differences in CVH metrics, disease awareness, and medication use. Results:The sample included 12 180 participants (mean [SD] age, 39.6 [11.7] years; 6147 male individuals [50.5%]). Lesbian (B = -17.21; 95% CI, -31.98 to -2.44) and bisexual (B = -13.76; 95% CI, -20.54 to -6.99) female individuals had less favorable nicotine scores than heterosexual female individuals. Bisexual female individuals had less favorable body mass index scores (B = -7.47; 95% CI, -12.89 to -1.97) and lower cumulative ideal CVH scores (B = -2.59; 95% CI, -4.84 to -0.33) than heterosexual female individuals. Compared with heterosexual male individuals, gay male individuals had less favorable nicotine scores (B = -11.43; 95% CI, -21.87 to -0.99) but more favorable diet (B = 9.65; 95% CI, 2.38-16.92), body mass index (B = 9.75; 95% CI, 1.25-18.25), and glycemic status scores (B = 5.28; 95% CI, 0.59-9.97). Bisexual male individuals were twice as likely as heterosexual male individuals to report a diagnosis of hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.10-3.56) and use of antihypertensive medication (aOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12-4.32). No differences in CVH were found between participants who reported their sexual identity as something else and heterosexual participants. Conclusion and Relevance:Results of this cross-sectional study suggest that bisexual female individuals had worse cumulative CVH scores than heterosexual female individuals, whereas gay male individuals generally had better CVH than heterosexual male individuals. There is a need for tailored interventions to improve the CVH of sexual minority adults, particularly bisexual female individuals. Future longitudinal research is needed to examine factors that might contribute to CVH disparities among bisexual female individuals.

Sexual minority (SM) adults have a higher prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), largely attributable to increased exposure to minority stressors. There are no evidence-based CVD risk reduction interventions tailored to the needs of SM adults. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to explore SM adults' perceptions and preferences for a culturally tailored, minority stress-informed intervention for CVD risk reduction. SM adults without CVD were interviewed and presented with a 10-week proposed intervention that combined elements of existing interventions for minority stress and CVD risk reduction. Participants were asked about preferences regarding intervention delivery methods, setting, and duration. Interviews were deductively coded into cognitive, behavioral, and socio-environmental themes informed by the Social Cognitive Theory. Themes were also inductively coded based on participant responses. The sample included 22 SM adults with a mean age of 52 (±7.16) years; approximately 55% were female-identified and 59% were non-Latinx White. Cognitive themes included recognition of stress associated with minoritized identities and self-efficacy for behavior change. Behavioral themes included stress management skills and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (e.g., exercise). Socio-environmental themes included barriers (e.g., time commitment) and facilitators (e.g., financial incentives) for participating in the proposed intervention. All participants were interested in an intervention that would improve their cardiovascular health. A majority indicated they preferred a 12-week, virtual, synchronous, group intervention. All participants endorsed the proposed intervention with particular emphasis on stress-reduction components. This study provides important knowledge that should be considered in designing tailored interventions for CVD risk reduction among SM adults.

Purpose of Review Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adults experience significant cardiovascular health disparities, yet little is known about diet and food insecurity in this population. This review summarizes recent literature on diet and food insecurity in SGM adults and their contribution to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in this population. Recent Findings Existing evidence on diet and food insecurity disparities among SGM adults is inconclusive and research examining their link with CVD risk in SGM adults is limited. The majority of existing studies lack standardized and validated assessments of diet and food insecurity. Correlates of unhealthy diet and food insecurity among SGM adults are poorly understood. Research examining the associations between diet and food insecurity with CVD risk in SGM adults is limited. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate whether diet and food insecurity contribute to the cardiovascular health disparities observed in SGM adults.

Background:Recent evidence suggests that sexual minority (eg, gay/lesbian, bisexual) adults might be at increased risk of hypertension compared with heterosexual adults. However, disparities by sexual identity in antihypertensive medication use among adults with hypertension have not been comprehensively examined. Methods:We analyzed data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2015-2019), to examine sexual identity differences in the prevalence of hypertension and antihypertensive medication use among adults. We ran sex-stratified logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios of diagnosis of hypertension and antihypertensive medication use among sexual minority (ie, gay/lesbian, bisexual, and other) and heterosexual adults (reference group). Results:The sample included 420 340 participants with a mean age of 49.7 (+/- 17.0) years, of which 66.7% were Non-Hispanic White. Compared with heterosexual participants of the same sex, bisexual women (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.03-1.37]) and gay men (adjusted odds ratio, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.03-1.35]) were more likely to report having been diagnosed with hypertension. Among women with diagnosed hypertension, bisexual women had lower odds of current antihypertensive medication use (adjusted odds ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.56-0.90]). Among men with diagnosed hypertension, gay men were more likely than heterosexual men to report current antihypertensive medication use (adjusted odds ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.10-1.78]). Compared with heterosexual participants of the same sex, there were no differences in hypertension or antihypertensive medication use among lesbian women, bisexual men, and participants who reported their sexual identity as other. Conclusions:Clinical and public health interventions are needed to reduce the risk of hypertension among bisexual women and gay men. Bisexual women were at higher risk of untreated hypertension, which may be attributed to lower health care utilization due to fear of discrimination from health care providers and socioeconomic disadvantage. Future research is needed to better understand factors that may contribute to untreated hypertension among bisexual women with hypertension.

Over the past decade there has been growing evidence that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals are at higher risk of hypertension compared to their non-SGM counterparts [1]. The SGM population includes individuals with diverse sexual orientations (such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, questioning, and those who are attracted to people of the same gender) and gender identities (such as transgender and gender nonbinary). Although disparities in the prevalence and treatment of hypertension based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and sex have been extensively studied [2], little is known about the psychosocial, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms associated with hypertension risk among SGM individuals [1]. Sexual minority individuals report a significantly higher prevalence of risk factors for hypertension, including poor mental health, tobacco use, and short sleep duration than their heterosexual counterparts [1]. In addition, compared to heterosexual women, lesbian, and bisexual women are more likely to meet criteria for obesity [1,3,]. Previous research has found that gender minority adults have a higher prevalence of myocardial infarction and stroke than their cisgender (i.e. those whose gender identity is aligned with their sex assigned at birth) counterparts [1,4,5]. The use of exogenous hormones (such as estrogen and testosterone) among gender minority adults has been hypothesized to contribute to their greater risk of CVD, however, existing evidence of the influence of exogenous hormones on hypertension risk in gender minority adults is conflicting [1,6]. The health disparities experienced by SGM individuals are largely attributed to their greater exposure to minority stressors (defined as unique stressors attributed to an individual’s minority identity), which in turn can lead to negative health outcomes [7]. Therefore, one’s sexual orientation or gender identity are not risk factors for negative health outcomes, but rather it is the greater psychosocial stressors that SGM people experience that place them at greater risk for negative health outcomes. The Minority Stress Model is the predominant evidence-based framework used to examine health disparities among SGM individuals [7]. Although the original Minority Stress Model was developed to describe mental health disparities among SGM individuals, an extension of the model focused on cardiovascular health was recently published by the American Heart Association [1]. Minority stressors exist at multiple levels, including at the individual (such as internalized homophobia and expectations of rejection), interpersonal (such as experiences of discrimination), and structural (such as laws, policies, and social norms) levels [7]. There is growing data indicating that social determinants, such as experiences of discrimination and interpersonal violence, increase hypertension risk in marginalized adults [8,9]. Even though SGM adults are more likely to experience discrimination and interpersonal violence (such as physical and sexual abuse) compared to non-SGM adults [10], very few studies have examined social determinants of hypertension in this population [1]. Multiple studies indicate that interpersonal violence is associated with a higher prevalence of selfreported hypertension among sexual minority women [11,12]. In contrast, the associations of experiences of discrimination with hypertension in sexual minority adults are largely conflicting [1]. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that hypertension risk among sexual minority adults may be highest among bisexual individuals and people of color [13]. With the exception of one study [14], research on social determinants of hypertension in gender minority adults is limited.

Introduction: Sexual minority (SM; e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual) adults have a higher prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to heterosexual adults, which is attributed to their increased exposure to minority stressors (e.g., experiences of discrimination). Yet, there are no evidence-based interventions for CVD risk reduction tailored to the unique needs of SM adults. Our goal was to inform the development of a tailored intervention for CVD risk reduction in middle-aged (ages 40-64) SM adults. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to understand the perceptions of SM adults on their risk of CVD and identify their preferences for an intervention. We recruited an online sample of middle-aged SM adults who lived in the United States and reported no history of CVD. During one-on-one semi-structured interviews, participants were presented a sample multi-component intervention that combined elements of existing interventions for minority stress and CVD risk reduction. Transcripts were independently coded using directed content analysis to create a codebook. Codes were grouped into cognitive, behavioral, and environmental themes guided by Social Cognitive Theory. Results: The sample included 23 participants with a mean age of 52.0 (±7.2) years. Approximately 52% were female and 61% were White. Cognitive theme: Participants acknowledged the importance of their sexual identity and cardiovascular health but lacked insight into the elevated CVD risk that has been observed in SM adults. Behavioral theme: They were willing to join an intervention to reduce their CVD risk if it did not require dramatic lifestyle changes. Environmental theme: Participants preferred a virtual, synchronous, group intervention no longer than 12 weeks. They indicated convenience, socialization, and comprehensiveness were main factors informing intervention delivery preferences. All participants approved of the sample intervention, particularly stress-reduction components. Conclusions: Gaps in knowledge related to CVD risk among SM adults were identified. Findings provide important knowledge that should be considered in designing tailored interventions for CVD risk reduction in SM adults.

Background Potentially traumatic experiences throughout the life course are associated with poor cardiovascular health among women. However, research on the associations of trauma with cardiovascular health among Latino populations is limited. Understanding the impact of trauma on cardiovascular health within marginalized populations may provide guidance on developing interventions with a particular focus on preventative care. Objective The purpose of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to examine the associations of lifetime trauma with cardiovascular health among middle-aged and older Latina women. Methods Participants were recruited from an existing study in New York City. All participants completed a structured questionnaire to assess lifetime trauma, demographic characteristics (such as age and education), financial resource strain, and emotional support. The Trauma History Questionnaire was used to assess lifetime exposure to potentially traumatic experiences (range 0–24). Cardiovascular health was measured with a validated measure of cardiovascular health from the American Heart Association (Life’s Simple 7). We used self-reported and objective data to calculate cardiovascular health scores (range 0–14). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the associations of lifetime trauma with cardiovascular health, adjusted for age, education, financial resource strain, and emotional support. Results The sample included 50 Latina women with a mean age of 63.1 years, 88% were Dominican, and only 6% had completed a college degree. Women reported an average of 4.8 traumatic experiences. Mean cardiovascular health score was 6.5 ( SD = 1.6, range 3–10). Linear regression models found that, after adjusting for age, education, financial resource strain, and emotional support, a higher count of lifetime trauma was associated with worse cardiovascular health. However, this association did not reach statistical significance. Discussion Women with a higher count of lifetime trauma had worse cardiovascular health scores; this association was not statistically significant. Future studies should investigate associations of lifetime trauma and cardiovascular health in larger and more diverse samples of Latinas. Nurses and other clinicians should incorporate trauma-informed approaches to cardiovascular disease risk reduction to improve the cardiovascular health of Latina women who are survivors of trauma.