Effects of progestogens on the cardiovascular system.

The progestogenic component of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) may contribute to the increased risk of stroke and ischemic heart disease in women who take these preparations. This effect is likely to be mediated, at least in part, through elevators in blood pressure. The progestogenic component of OCs does not appear to influence the risk of venous thromboembolism. In terms of reducing the risks of arterial disease in women taking OCs, the safest preparations will be those which minimize the dose of both estrogen and progestogen.