ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Oral contraceptives are among the most frequently used drugs in the world. But now, questions are being raised as to whether or not oral contraceptives are detrimental to cardiovascular health.

Recent research reveals oral contraceptive use is linked to higher arterial plaque levels in the carotid and femoral arteries. A European study that examined 2,524 seemingly healthy 35 to 55 year old participants found a 20 to 30 percent increased prevalence of arterial plaque for every ten years of oral contraceptive exposure.

“If you are going to take oral contraceptives, you need to control your classic risk factors, quit smoking and make sure you’re blood pressure is in check,” Ernst Rietzschel M.D., of the University of Ghent in Belgium said.
 

Dr. Rietzschel suggested that because the use of oral contraceptives is so prevalent in society, it should be considered an important factor in the global atherosclerotic burden. “We need to change the way we think about oral contraceptives,” Dr. Rietzschel said. “You shouldn’t take it longer than you need to, and you need to look at your risk factors.”

Although these findings suggest oral contraceptives cause higher arterial plaque levels, Dr. Rietzschel says it’s important to remember plaque doesn’t mean you’ll have a cardiac event; it’s merely a risk factor. “We don’t prescribe oral contraceptives to make women live longer, it’s a societal choice, not a medical choice, and the option should stay open,” Dr. Rietzschel said.

SOURCE: Presentation by Ernst Rietzschel M.D. at the American Heart Association Scientific Session, Nov. 4-7, 2007, in Orlando, Fla.