Clinical aspects of hypertension under contraceptive steroids
Kaulhausen, H.; Klingsiek, L.
Fortschritte der Medizin 94(34): 2005-2013
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-8178 PMID: 793966 Document Number: 99096
In Europe, about 1% of the women using oral contraceptives develop hypertension. Predisposing factors seem to be age, hypertension problems in past pregnancies, family history of hypertension, personal histories of kidney disorders, diabetes mellitus or adipositas, or diastolic pressure over 80 mm Hg. An overactive renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may be an important factor in the etiology of this type of hypertension. Oterh possible factors are: reduced excretion of angiotensin 2, increased sensitivity of the arterioles to substances such as angiotensin 2 and noradrenaline, direct effect of ethinyl estradiol and mestranol on the sodium and water system, cardiovascular changes, disorders in the adrenergic system (e.g., catecholamine metabolism). Blood pressure should be checked before beginning any treatment with oral contraceptives and every 3 months after that. For the purpose of differential diagnosis angiotensin 2 in the plasma and catecholanin and its by-products should be checked (24-hour urine samples). In cases of serious hypertension hormone therapy should be discontinued at once. Primary aldosteronism and renal artery stenosis must be excluded in the differential diagnosis, for although these hypertensive disorders exhibit similar biochemical changes, they should be treated by surgical intervention. Usually hypertension is reversible after cessation of therapy with contraceptive steroids. However, some cases of irreversible hypertention, kidney failure, and malignant nephrosclerosis have been described. Hypertensive somen who wish to use oral contraceptives may, under medical supervision try a modified hormonal contraceptive (minipill without estrogen) or sequential or lower dosages.