Blood pressure assessment and risk factors for arterial hypertension in women using oral contraceptives

Abstract

This study aims to assess blood pressure levels and recognize risk factors for hypertension in women using oral contraceptives. Forty patients registered in a local health care center that were attending a family planning service and using birth control pills were evaluated. Results showed that most women had normal blood pressure ranges. Regarding risk factors for hypertension, 29 patients denied using alcohol, 35 were non-smokers, 30 women did not practice any physical exercises, 32 considered themselves as being easily stressed and 29 participants had relatives with hypertension related diseases. Most patients (n=27) denied being informed about possible effects of oral contraceptives on blood pressure. Results show that there are other factors which predispose these women to hypertension. This study may subsidize nursing assistance through health actions that require active participation of these women in order to increase self-care and reduce cardiovascular morbid-mortality in this group.