Originally published July 25 2005
Low-dose oral contraceptives may increase heart attack and stroke risk, study finds
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Women who take low-dose oral contraceptives have twice the risk of women who do not take the pills of having a stroke or heart attack, according to a study by the Virginia Commonwealth University published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
The findings could have further significance for those women taking low-dose oral contraceptives who already are at increased risk for such events because of polycystic ovary syndrome, or metabolic disorder, according to John Nestler, M.D., professor and chair of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism in the VCU School of Medicine.
In the study, researchers reported that the overall estimated risk of cardiovascular events -- both heart attack and stroke -- among current low-dose oral contraceptive users was doubled compared to non-users.
The findings are based on a meta-analysis of peer-reviewed literature.
The researchers examined several separate-but-similar experiments that were designed to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the current use of low-dose oral contraceptives in the population-at-large.
"The study suggests that women in general are at an increased risk of having a cardiovascular event while taking even these third-generation, low-dose, birth control pills," said Nestler.
"A number of women with metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome already are at increased risk for heart attack, and a majority of women with PCOS are treated with low-dose oral contraceptives for a prolonged period of time," he said.
"An insulin-sensitizing drug might confer better general health benefits than the oral contraceptive."
"For example, insulin-sensitizing drugs have been shown to decrease progression to Type 2 diabetes, and there is evidence suggesting that they also may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors," he said.
"Despite the doubling of risk associated with the pill, the absolute risk for a cardiovascular event in an individual woman taking the pill is low -- Women using the pill are not going to automatically have a heart attack," said Nestler.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml