ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND TOBACCO USE

Women who smoke and use oral contraceptives, particularly after age of 35, are placing themselves at a much greater risk of experiencing a fatal cardiovascular accident (heart attack, stroke, or embolism) than oral contraceptive users who do not smoke.  This risk of cardiovascular complications increases further for oral contraceptive users 40 years of age or older.  Women who both smoke and use oral contraceptives are four times more likely to die from myocardial infarction (heart attack) than women who only smoke.  Because of this adverse relationship, it is strongly recommended that women who smoke should not use oral contraceptives.