As so often with issues concerning the Pill, the relationship between the Pill and heart disease is not entirely clear, and evidence is often conflicting and contradictory. Taking the Pill affects levels of hormones and other substances, such as blood fats, in the body. Some types of Pill (notably the high-dose combined variety) raise blood pressure in some women. Research has also linked taking the Pill with an increased risk of having both a stroke and developing a blood clot in the veins (deep venous thrombosis). The risks are even higher if you smoke. Taking the Pill, though, does not seem to raise the risk of atherosclerosis and some studies suggest that it may even help protect against this factor in heart disease. There is also concern about the use of the Pill and breast cancer (although the latest British studies suggest that the risk dwindles after you stop taking the Pill and is returned to normal after ten years). When making decisions about taking the Pill, therefore, you need to take into account both your own medical and family medical history and your need for birth control.

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