1 Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in young transgender people: a quality improvement project

Introduction

There is some evidence of increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in transgender people. In clinical services, early intervention should be offered to address modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and provide suitable lifestyle advice. We aimed to determine the status of cardiovascular risk assessment among young transgender people and whether any improvements may be made.

Methods

The medical records of young people who attended the Gender Development Clinic at the Royal Hospital for Children (Glasgow, UK) from October 2021 until October 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Data relating to the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors were entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. All descriptive analysis was performed using R Software (version 4.2).

Results

A total of 84 consultations were conducted involving 45 patients (33.3% natal male) with ages ranging from 12.2 to 21.6 years. Anthropometric data were routinely obtained except in five remote consultations. In contrast, blood pressure was recorded only in approximately a third of all consultations. Five out of the 27 readings (18.5%) met the criteria for hypertension, two of which were consecutive readings from the same patient. Participation in physical activity was regularly assessed (51.1%), while smoking status was not. 28 patients were referred to the lifestyle advisor, of which 23 accepted the referral and attended at least one clinic.

Conclusions

Important cardiovascular risk factors have been routinely assessed in the Gender Development Clinic. There is room for improvement regarding assessment of smoking status, blood pressure and participation in physical activity.