Changes in blood pressure, BMI and ECG Patterns in women using low-dose contraceptives

To determine the cardiovascular risk factors in users of second generation contraceptives by recording changes in body mass index, blood pressure and electrocardiogram.

Cross-sectional study.

The National Institute of Fertility Research Centers at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center and PIB Maternity Home Karachi, from July 1997 to 1999.

Sixty four women volunteered for this study (age range 20-35 years), belonging to low-income group with similar socio-cultural background. The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated by measuring height and weight of the subjects; systolic and diastolic blood pressure and ECG recording by standard method. The group means, standard deviations and coefficient correlation for interrelationship among variables in respective groups of subjects were calculated using relevant statistical method and software program.

There was no significant difference between BMI of two types of contraceptive users as compared to non users; but BMI was significantly correlated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in injectable users as compared to controls. ECG alterations frequently observed in contraceptive users (40%) as compared to controls were normal findings.

It was observed that women aged < 30 years and using contraceptives for more than three years had a tendency to gain weight and developed a mild increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressures.