Atherogenic and Cardiovascular Risks of Women on Combined Oral Contraceptives: A Comparative Study
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Date
2021-12
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Publisher
Wolters-Kluwer (MedKnow).
Abstract
Although combined oral contraceptive (COC) is commonly used
in sub‑Saharan Africa, data on its cardiovascular disease risk remains scanty. The
study aimed to determine serial serum lipid profiles and cardiovascular disease risks
among COC‑users. Methods: This is a prospective, comparative multicentered
study conducted at four health facilities in Nigeria. Participants were new users
of contraceptives; 120 each of women initiating COCs (group I) and those
initiating other forms of nonhormonal contraceptives (group II) were recruited
and monitored over a 6‑month period. Serial lipid profile, blood pressure, and
atherogenic risk for cardiovascular diseases were measured at recruitment (start)
and scheduled follow‑up clinic visits at 3 months and 6 months for all participants.
Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 21.0) and P value < 0.05
was considered significant. Results: In all, 225 participants (111 COC‑users, 114
nonCOC‑users) that completed the study were aged 18 to 49 years. There was
a statistically significant increase in the diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.001),
Low Density Lipoprotein‑ Cholesterol (P = 0.038) and higher atherogenic
risk (P = 0.001) among COC‑users compared to nonCOC‑users. The serial total
serum cholesterol, triglyceride, High Density Lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure,
and body mass index were higher among COC‑users but were not statistically
significant compared to nonCOC‑users. Conclusion: Alterations in lipid profile
and increased short‑term atherogenic risk for cardiovascular disease were
reported among the COC‑users in this study. Serial lipid profile and atherogenic
risk assessment for cardiovascular diseases are recommended for monitoring of
COC‑users.
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Citation
Atherogenic risk, cardiovascular risk, combined oral contraceptive, family planning, hormonal contraceptive