Smoking and the Pill: A Deadly Combination
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women

As part of continuing efforts to encourage Houston-area women to get screened for heart disease, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital reminds women that if they take oral contraceptives and smoke, they are greatly increasing their risk for heart disease.

"The birth control pill has been available for 30 years. And while the message to quit smoking has also been around a long time, I think it's important to remind women just how serious the combination of these two things can be," says Dr. Stephanie Coulter, a cardiologist at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. "While male smokers are also at risk for cardiovascular problems, women who smoke and take birth control pills are particularly vulnerable."

Birth control pills, like all medications, have side effects and pose some health risks, but to a much lesser degree than smoking. However, when mixed together, the pill and cigarettes pack a one-two punch. In fact, studies show that women smokers who take oral contraceptives are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, than non-smokers who take them.

"It's critical that women learn more about their susceptibility to heart disease," says Dr. Coulter. "Heart disease isn't just a man's disease anymore. And women, particularly those who smoke and take oral contraceptives, need to be reminded about their increased risk for cardiovascular problems."

- LINDA HINKLE

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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