Could taking the oral contraceptive cause heart problems? If so, should I stop it?

Good morning, ma'am,

The contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progesterone is safe for healthy young women who do not smoke. Where it can increase cardiac risk is when other risk factors for cardiovascular disease are present. Examples include being over 35, having high blood pressure or diabetes, being a smoker, having migraine headaches with aura, or having a history of stroke, heart attack or blood clots.

You have been taking the pill for a long time and your palpitations are more recent. There may be an association between the pill and your symptoms, but there are several other possible causes to consider. The causal link is not clear and for this reason, I see no reason to stop taking the pill until you have heard from your cardiologist.

Hopefully this answers your question,

Samantha Hui, pharmacy student

Under the supervision of Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist