IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE USING COMBINED HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, and their risk factors may present particularities in women of reproductive age. Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs), by combining estrogen and progestogen, may influence blood pressure, lipid, inflammatory, and hemostatic parameters. However, the magnitude and relevance of these changes vary according to the formulation and individual characteristics. Objective: To analyze evidence on cardiovascular risk factors and markers in women of reproductive age using CHCs, emphasizing early detection and clinical follow-up. Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and the Virtual Health Library, including publications from 2016 to 2026 in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. Primary studies with specific or separable results for combined contraceptives were eligible. Results: Seventy-three records were identified; after removing 10 duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, 11 studies comprised the qualitative synthesis. Findings involved blood pressure, lipid profile, atherogenic risk, inflammatory and metabolic markers, plasma renin, oxidized LDL, and method suitability according to cardiovascular profile. Conclusion: Assessment should jointly consider the formulation and women's clinical characteristics. Findings support individualized follow-up but do not justify universal laboratory testing for all CHC users before prescribing and throughout follow-up, according to each woman's cardiovascular risk profile.