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  • Title: Contraception and chronic illnesses: cardiac disease.
    Author: Neinstein LS, Katz B.
    Journal: Contracept Technol Update; 1984 Aug; 5(8):100-1. PubMed ID: 12266309.
    Abstract:
    This article examines the issue of safe, effective contraception for women with cardiac disease. Although barrier methods do not complicate chronic illness, they are not as effective as oral contraception (OC) and the IUD. Effeciveness is an especially important criterion among such women because of the risks posed to their health by pregnancy. Clinicians must balance the decreased side effects of parrier methods with their failure rates. Specific side effects of OCs may worsen organic heart disease by increasing risks of embolic disease, hypertensive repsonse, fluid and water retention, and hyperlipidemia. Epidemiologic research has noted a 6-fold increase in the risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary empolism and a 2-fold increase in risk of cerebral thrombosis in healthy OC users. The risk of myocardial infarction is greatest in women 35-44 years of age (54/100,000 users) and may be higher in patients already predisposed to empolic disease. These findings suggest that women with histories of coronary artery disease, thromboembolic disease, and cerebrovascular disease should avoid OC use. OC is also contraindicated for women with hypertension, although low-dose progestin-only pills can be prescribed.
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