Arterial Stiffness and Hemodynamics in Young Women: The Effects of Oral Contraceptive Intake and Physical Habits

Abstract

Oral contraceptive (OC) intake seems to be associated with increased central hemodynamics and arterial stiffness. Conversely, physical activity (PA) is known to induce benefits on vascular structure and function, suggesting that the negative effects of the OC pill could be counterbalanced by regular PA. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine (1) whether OC intake in young women is associated with higher values of hemodynamic parameters and arterial stiffness and (2) whether these negative effects could be counterbalanced by regular physical activity. Forty-nine young healthy women (21.9 years ± 2.1) were recruited and divided into 4 groups, depending on their hormonal status (OC users: OC+ or non-OC users: OC-) and their physical habits (active/inactive). Assessments of central hemodynamics (central blood pressure, Aix75) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were performed using applanation tonometry. cBP was higher in OC+ vs. OC-, while PWV was similar between these two groups. No interaction between physical activity and hormonal status was observed for any of these variables. Nevertheless, PWV was lower in young active women compared with age-matched inactive women, suggesting that the positive effect of regular physical exercise on the cardiovascular system is already visible in the first years of women's adulthood, whatever the hormonal status.

Keywords: arterial stiffness; oral contraceptive pill; physical activity.

Figure 1

Enrollment of the study participants and study design.

Figure 2

Central SBP in OC− and OC+ groups. All values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Central SBP, central systolic blood pressure; * indicates significant difference between OC− and OC+ groups (OC main effect p < 0.000001).

Figure 3

Pulse wave velocity in active and inactive groups. All values are presented as mean ± standard deviation. PWV, pulse wave velocity; † indicates significant difference between active- and inactive groups (physical activity main effect p < 0.0001).