Oral Contraceptive Hypertension

Abstract

High blood pressure, sometimes severe, is a rare and usually reversible complication of oral contraceptive use. The Pill produces characteristic changes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, notably, increased plasma renin substrate, renin activity, angiotensin II, and aldosterone. These, together with other sodium-retaining effects, may be involved in causing the pressure elevation. Occult or preexisting renal disease may increase susceptibility. These findings may be relevant in other situations involving estrogen therapy as well as in study of hypertension and toxemia of pregnancy.