Patient-focused research addressing gap in underserved community

Badal (Brandon) Pattar has been a trainee in the Libin Cardiovascular Institute since 2019, when he began his undergraduate work under the supervision of Drs. Edward O’Brien, MD, and Steven Greenway, MD. Pattar is now a CIHR-funded masters student in the lab of Dr. Sofia Ahmed, MD and Dr. Tyrone Harrison, MD, PhD. His research focuses on the link between cardiovascular health and the use of gender affirming hormone therapy in the transgender and gender diverse population. His goal is to provide information to help guide the use of hormone therapy in this population.

Tell us about this unique population. 

The number of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, whose sex at birth differs from their gender identity, is growing in Canada. Yet this group remains marginalized and under-served medically. There is a link between hormone use and cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, and the TGD population experiences more of these than their cisgender counterparts. The reasons behind this aren’t entirely known. Researchers also don’t know the optimal dose of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) based on cardiovascular health. That’s why there is an urgent need to study the use of GAHT in the transgender and gender diverse population.

Tell us about your research.  

I am investigating the optimal range of hormone levels that will achieve the desired gender-affirming outcomes while optimizing cardiovascular health in the TGD population. My project was identified as important by the community and has a patient-partner component. It’s urgently needed because guidelines for GAHT use are based on the cisgender population.

The hope is that this research will address a research gap and provide information for shared decision making between individuals and their care providers.

How can we advance transgender health?  

A one-size-fits-all approach to cardiovascular care has been the standard for too long and has led to significant health disparities. There is also a lack of basic science literature understanding the underlying mechanisms of GAHT, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. That’s why it’s important that sex and gender considerations are part of all cardiovascular health research. Collaboration between researchers and clinicians is also critical. It can help us develop personalized and precise approaches to the care of TGD individuals, which will ultimately improve outcomes.   

Tell us about the work in your lab.    

Our laboratory has two ongoing studies aimed at improving care and knowledge on cardiovascular health in the TGD population. Along with my study, another research project aims to understand the perceptions of GAHT on health in TGD individuals. Understanding the health care and societal challenges these individuals face will help optimize the use of this life-saving therapy.

If you want to know more about Pattar’s work, or would like to be involved in a study contact him at badal.pattar@ucalgary.ca.

The Libin Cardiovascular Institute is embracing precision medicine and sex and gender research through its key initiatives. Learn more about the Libin’s Precision Medicine Initiative and Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative.