Womens Health Blog

There has been a lot of debate on whether the use of oral contraceptive pills increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks in women. When oral contraceptive pills were first manufactured, more than thirty years ago, they contained very high doses of estrogen, which was attributed to the increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, recent preparations of oral contraceptive pills contain about one-third the original dose of estrogen. Also, the recent pills have derivatives of progesterone, which lower the blood levels of bad cholesterol and increase the level of good cholesterol. They, therefore, reduce the risk of heart diseases, especially heart attack. Some studies have, however, indicated that the newer derivatives of progesterone can increase the risk of blood clots in the veins of the legs.

The risk of heart attack because of oral contraceptives is higher in women above thirty-five years of age, who have high blood pressure and who are smokers. This risk is not associated with the dose of hormones in the pills or the duration of their use. After the pills are stopped, the risk reduces. The risk of heart attack due to oral contraceptive pills is lower in women below thirty ­five years of age.

Although most medical practitioners opine that the overall risk ­benefit ratio for risk of heart attack and oral contraceptives is low in women who do not smoke, it is important that you consult your doctor before starting oral contraceptive pills.

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