Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 5, 2026
08:05
Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
Published on: December 9, 2022
5.2K
Hormonal contraception: venous and arterial disease
1a Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics , University of Udine , Udine , Italy.
Summary
Levonorgestrel (LNG)-based contraceptives are safer for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk than newer options. However, biological data suggest they may be less favorable for arterial disease risk factors, particularly compared to drospirenone (DRSP).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Pharmacology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hormonal contraceptives (HCs) have varying cardiovascular safety profiles.
- Levonorgestrel (LNG)-based HCs are widely used, but their cardiovascular safety relative to newer formulations requires evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the concordance between biological and epidemiological evidence on the cardiovascular safety of LNG-based HCs versus newer formulations.
- To evaluate risks for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and arterial diseases.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of studies examining cardiovascular risk factors modified by different HCs.
- Analysis of concordance between biological data and epidemiological findings.
Main Results:
- General concordance exists for VTE risk, with LNG-based HCs showing lower risk than most newer formulations.
- Evidence for drospirenone (DRSP)-containing HCs is conflicting.
- LNG-based HCs appear less favorable than non-androgenic progestin HCs (especially DRSP) for arterial event risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiological data on arterial disease are limited by time lags, hindering reliable cardiovascular risk assessment.
- LNG-based HCs are safer for VTE risk but potentially less favorable for arterial risk factors compared to newer options like DRSP-containing HCs.
- Individual long-term safety considerations should include modifications in arterial risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
599
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
599
01:22Birth Control Methods
7.1K
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although...
7.1K
01:17Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
6.9K
Endocrinal or hormonal intervention in the cardiovascular system is predominantly exerted by the catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as a slew of hormones that interact with renal function to modulate blood volume.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
6.9K
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
2.0K
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
2.0K
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
428
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
428
01:26Varicose Veins I: Introduction
285
Varicose veins, or varicosities, are abnormally dilated and twisted superficial veins caused by venous valve incompetence. This condition commonly affects the lower extremities, especially the saphenous veins, due to the higher pressure from prolonged standing and walking. However, varicosities can also occur in other areas, such as the esophagus, vulva, spermatic cords, and anorectal region.Etiology and typesPrimary varicose veins, often idiopathic, are more common in women due to inherent...
285