Abstract

PIP: Attention to the problem of hypertension in women using oral contraceptives has been increasing as the use of these preparations has increased. It is estimated that between 1-5% to 15-18% of those women using these preparations suffer from hypertension. Some sources have linked the occurrence of hypertension to a concentration of renin in the blood. It is not clear to this author, though, whether this is the result of some physiological disruption caused by the contraceptive, or caused by some other malfunction of this mechanism. The appearance of hypertension in the course of hormonal contraceptive use is considered to be an indication for the discontinuation of its use.