Best birth control for high blood pressure

Millions of women across the world use oral contraceptive pills to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Although safe and effective, the possibility of these pills affecting one's blood pressure can happen. While most of the commonly prescribed pills are a mixture of synthetically produced hormones of mostly progesterone and estrogen, some contain only progesterone, and are called the “mini pill.” Currently, there is no “best-choice” birth control pill for high blood pressure patients. Although progesterone and estrogen are needed to ensure contraceptive action, progesterone is known to impact blood pressure through its effect on tiny blood vessels and the hormone cascades.

A recent review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has indicated that the newer versions of birth control pills do not raise the risk of heart attacks, but they do raise the chances of blood clotting. The risks associated with pills causing or aggravating high blood pressure is higher for some women depending on age, lifestyle, and hereditary issues.

Women at high risk may include those over age 35, smokers, those with a family history of high blood pressure, a history of increased blood pressure during early pregnancy, or blood vessel and heart problems.

Precautionary Measures
Women age 35 and older should have regular check-ups for heart related risks such as high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and migraines. Some women should shift to a new pill that has a lower level of progesterone. Women should regularly monitor their blood pressure and evaluate the effects of the pill on it.

Learn more about our Phoenix Birth Control Clinical Trial