Abstract
Objective:
To investigate the
association between
oral contraceptive use and
cardiovascular risks, including
metabolic syndrome and their components in Brazilian
adolescents.
Method:
This study used data from the Study of
Cardiovascular Risks in
Adolescents (Estudo de Riscos Cardiovasculares em Adolescentes - ERICA), a nationwide, cross-sectional,
school-based study with individuals
aged 12-17 years. Sociodemographic variables and OC use were assessed by a
self-administered
questionnaire. International Diabetes
Federation criteria were used to define
metabolic syndrome. Descriptive
statistics were reported as
prevalence and their respective
confidence interval of 95% of
oral contraceptives according to variables.
Logistic regression was performed. Crude and adjusted
odds ratios were calculated.
Results:
This subsample was composed of 22,682
female adolescents, of which 12.65% reported using
oral contraceptives and their use was associated with
hypertension and
hypertriglyceridemia. These
associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for age,
school region,
race, and
tobacco use with an increase of 2.68 (1.66 - 4.32) and 3.45 (2.56 - 4.65) times, respectively.
Conclusion:
The present study was the first to examine the
association between the use of
oral contraceptives and
cardiovascular risk factors among the largest number of
female Brazilian
adolescents. This
method was significantly associated with
hypertension,
hypertriglyceridemia.
Teenagers using
oral contraceptives should be monitored for side effects, including
blood pressure measurements and advised to avoid
smoking.