HAEMODYNAMIC CHANGES IN WOMEN TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Abstract

Summary Haemodynamic changes were monitored serially in a group of 30 healthy young women receiving combined oestrogen‐progestogen oral contraceptive therapy. Significant increases in cardiac output (expressed as cardiac index), systolic and mean blood pressures and plasma volume occurred during therapy. Changes in heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were not significant. An increase in stroke volume was mainly responsible for the increase in cardiac output. Plasma renin substrate and renin activity increased, renin concentration decreased, while blood angiotensin levels increased markedly during oral contraceptive administration in all 13 of the 30 subjects in whom these investigations were carried out. A significant increase in body weight occurred in most subjects while receiving oral contraceptive therapy.