Location
Turner Gymnasium
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Presentation Type
Printed poster
Entry Number
27
Start Date
4-16-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
4-16-2026 1:15 PM
School
School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Department
Nursing
Keywords
cardiovascular, women’s health, contraceptives, thromboembolism, hypertension
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women, and research suggests that the use of hormonal contraceptives may have long-term effects on cardiovascular health. This literature review examines whether women using estrogen-containing contraceptives, compared to those using non-hormonal methods, experience a higher incidence of cardiovascular complications over 10 years. By examining research-based articles from 2021 to 2025, the review synthesizes findings from various clinical trials, randomized studies, peer-reviewed articles, and literature reviews to help determine the relationship between contraceptive use and long-term cardiovascular complications in women. The articles with research-based evidence prove that estrogen-containing contraceptives can create a higher risk of developing thromboembolic thromboses, hypertension, and, in some cases, ischemic stroke. Risks can increase in women who are on estrogen-containing contraceptives, along with tobacco use, obesity, and a family history of cardiovascular events, compared to healthier women without substance use and other associated factors. In contrast, some other studies prove non-hormonal contraceptives like barrier methods and intrauterine devices actually lower the risk of complications related to the cardiovascular system. Women with pre-existing risk factors may benefit from non-hormonal contraceptives to lower future cardiovascular risk. Some preventative strategies mentioned in the literature review include risk assessments, patient education, and cardiovascular annual screenings in women who comply with estrogen-containing contraceptives. Overall, the research highlights the importance and need for individualized contraceptive choices to minimize cardiovascular complications in women over 10 years.
Primary Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Susan Braud
Primary Faculty Mentor(s) Department
Department of Nursing
Additional Faculty Mentor(s)
Prof. Jacinda Shin
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Estrogen-Containing Contraceptives and Cardiovascular Risk in Women
Turner Gymnasium
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women, and research suggests that the use of hormonal contraceptives may have long-term effects on cardiovascular health. This literature review examines whether women using estrogen-containing contraceptives, compared to those using non-hormonal methods, experience a higher incidence of cardiovascular complications over 10 years. By examining research-based articles from 2021 to 2025, the review synthesizes findings from various clinical trials, randomized studies, peer-reviewed articles, and literature reviews to help determine the relationship between contraceptive use and long-term cardiovascular complications in women. The articles with research-based evidence prove that estrogen-containing contraceptives can create a higher risk of developing thromboembolic thromboses, hypertension, and, in some cases, ischemic stroke. Risks can increase in women who are on estrogen-containing contraceptives, along with tobacco use, obesity, and a family history of cardiovascular events, compared to healthier women without substance use and other associated factors. In contrast, some other studies prove non-hormonal contraceptives like barrier methods and intrauterine devices actually lower the risk of complications related to the cardiovascular system. Women with pre-existing risk factors may benefit from non-hormonal contraceptives to lower future cardiovascular risk. Some preventative strategies mentioned in the literature review include risk assessments, patient education, and cardiovascular annual screenings in women who comply with estrogen-containing contraceptives. Overall, the research highlights the importance and need for individualized contraceptive choices to minimize cardiovascular complications in women over 10 years.