Do birth control pills or using the birth control patch increase my risk for heart disease?
Taking birth control pills or using the patch is generally safe for young, healthy women if they do not smoke. But birth control pills and the patch can pose heart disease risks for some women, especially women older than 35; women with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol; and women who smoke. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about birth control pills or the patch. If you are using either of these methods of birth control, watch for signs of trouble: • Eye problems such as blurred or double vision • Pain in the upper body or arm • Problems breathing • Spitting up blood • Swelling or pain in the leg • Breast lumps • Yellowing of the skin or eyes • Unusual (not normal) heavy vaginal bleeding If you have any of these symptoms, call 911.
