Risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and venous thrombosis associated with hormonal contraceptive use.
The search for a safe and effective method of contraception has been ongoing for centuries. During the last century, a variety of hormonal contraceptives, including combined hormonal oral contraceptives (COCs), have been introduced into the market. COCs have evolved through modifications of different hormonal components to minimize the risk of thrombotic events including stroke, myocardial infarction, and venous thrombosis. The evolution of COC development led to the reduction in the estrogen dose, in an attempt to lower the risk of vascular diseases. Although the risk of thrombotic events due to COC use has been substantially reduced since their inception, the quest for developing safer methods of birth control continues. It is of great interest to study coagulation effects of newer COCs, as well as progestin only, as rigorously as older COCs.
Zakharova
Marina Y
MY
Minnesota Stroke Initiative, Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Meyer
Rachel M
RM
Brandy
Kyle R
KR
Datta
Yvonne H
YH
Joseph
Marilyn S
MS
Schreiner
Pamela J
PJ
Rao
Gundu H
GH
Divani
Afshin A
AA
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000139:chemically induced*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced*
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal