Cardiovascular findings differ across events in transgender hormone users
A Dutch cohort reported different patterns for heart attacks, ischaemic strokes and venous clots among transgender hormone users, depending on the comparison group.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Among transgender women receiving hormones, heart attacks were less frequent and venous clots more frequent than among general-population men; ischaemic stroke incidence was described as similar. Among transgender men, heart attacks and ischaemic strokes were more frequent than among general-population women, while venous clot incidence was described as similar. These comparisons do not establish hormone effects.
These observational comparisons cannot separate hormone effects from other population differences. This explanation uses only the abstract, which does not describe lifestyle-adjusted event estimates.
What researchers found
Venous clot incidence: standardized incidence ratio
Transgender women versus general-population men, 2012–2022, adjusted for socioeconomic status. One means equal incidence; 1.81 means 1.81 times the incidence. The interval's type and confidence level are unspecified.
How the comparison worked
Researchers compared nationally registered diagnoses with general-population incidence rates, adjusting for education, employment and income. Lifestyle was examined by age group; the abstract does not describe including it in the event-risk adjustment.
Why the distinction matters
The abstract's broad conclusion for transgender women needs an event-specific qualification: venous clots were more frequent. Outcomes described as similar should not be read as proof that comparison groups have identical risks.
The original publication
Transgender persons receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy: risk of acute cardiovascular events in a Dutch cohort study.
van Zijverden LM, Thijs A, van Diemen JJK et al.
Eur Heart J · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41187090
- Record checked
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