Title: Contraceptives and hypertension.

POPLINE Document Number: 702146

Source citation:

Journal of the American Medical Association, October 5, 1970;214(1):136-137.

Abstract:

Though described in 1962 the hypertensive effect of oral contraceptives was not given much attention until 1967. Since then an increasing number of single and multiple case records have been reported, particularly in an accelerated malignant form. The blood pressure rise may begin weeks or months after beginning such therapy, usually falling by 4 months after therapy is stopped. Estrogen is blamed. Failure of plasma renin to be suppressed has been thought to indicate susceptibility. Estrogens are known to increase the protein substrate upon which the enzyme renin acts to produce the pressor substance angiotensin. The increased angiotensin should suppress the release of additional renin. Failure to do so results in a rise in renin levels and more angiotensin with hypertension. Development of a diagnostic procedure for the early recognition of susceptible patients is suggested. Also the need to occasionally measure the blood pressure of patients taking oral contraceptives is emphasized.

Keywords:

Hypertension
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Effects
Blood Pressure
Estrogens
Side Effects
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen
Vascular Diseases
Diseases
Homeostasis
Physiology
Biology
Hemic System
Hormones
Endocrine System
Treatment
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents