Abstract

PIP: Estrogenic compounds are the most important group of drugs that can induce hypertension. Studies have shown an incidence of significant hypertension amounting to less than 1% after 1 year of taking oral contraceptives and about 2% after 5 years. The ratio of the incidence of hypertension among ''takers'' to that of ''nontakers'' has been assessed at 1.8 by 1 study and 2.6 by another. Small but significant increments in systolic and diastolic pressures can be discerned during the first 2 years of treatment. Cessation of treatment has resulted in pressures returing to pretreatment levels within 3 months. In those previously normal the highest readings during oral contraceptive use were only 155/90 mm of Hg. Severe hypertension is more likely to occur in the predisposed, and malignant hypertension has been reported. Previous hypertension, toxemia of pregnancy, obesity, and nephropathy are predisposing conditions. Although progestagens, used alone, do not cause clinical hypertension the incidence of hypertension associated with an estrogen-progestogen combination was directly related to the dose of progestagen used. Weight gain is often observed in oral contraceptive users and is occasionally accompanied by edema and hypertension. There is a marked increase in the circulating level of renin substrate (angiotensinogen) which is caused by the estrogen component of the pill. The increase in renin substrate is associated with increase in plasma levels of renin activity, angiotensin 2, and aldosterone, together with a fall in plasma renin concentration. The suppression of plasma renin concentration can persist for weeks after stopping the pill. The factors responsible for hypertension are probably intrinsic and may be either neural, vascular, or renal. Patients taking oral contraceptives should have blood pressure checks at 6-month intervals, and more frequently in high risk cases. In the management of those with only mild blood pressure elevation, such patients should change to a preparation with the lowest available estrogen dosage, 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol, or reserve the method for use during crucial periods of family planning. With moderate hypertension the oral contraceptive should be suspended for 3-6 months. If the blood pressure falls, oral contraceptives should not be resumed but another method recommended. Continuing hypertension requires further study and possibly elective sterilization. Severe hypertension requires withdrawal of the pill, urgent investigation, and treatment. Other drugs may cause hypertension. Management of these patients is outlined. Structural formulae of progesterone, norethisterone acetate, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and norgestrel are shown.