Smoking and taking contraceptives increases the risk of heart attack (infarction) and leakage (Stroke). Smoking alone is already very unhealthy and increases the chances of cardiovascular disease, but the combination of cigarette and contraceptive makes the risk even greater.
This risk is associated with estrogen-containing contraceptives in their formula. Women who smoke, especially those over the age of 35, should choose progestin-only contraceptives in the formula or other types of contraceptive methods without estrogen.
This is because both nicotine and contraceptive cause a decrease in the caliber of blood vessels, that is, they are vasoconstrictors.
In addition nicotine stimulates the aggregation of platelets (cells responsible for blood coagulation), favoring the formation of clots in the arteries.
Already the estrogen, one of the hormones present in the contraceptive, can cause the formation of plaques in the wall of the blood vessels.
The ideal is to stop smoking. However, if the woman can not stop the addiction, it is advisable to use another contraceptive method to avoid possible complications. If you smoke and use any contraceptives or would like to start using them, seek a health care service or make an appointment with your gynecologist, family doctor or general practitioner for best advice.
