• O S Jimoh, I F Abdul, O R Balogun, S A Biliaminu, A S Adeniran, H O Jimoh-Abdulghaffaar, K T Adesina, A Ahmed, and W O Oladosu.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2021 Dec 1; 24 (12): 1759-1765.

BackgroundAlthough combined oral contraceptive (COC) is commonly used in sub-Saharan Africa, data on its cardiovascular disease risk remains scanty. The study aimed to determine serial serum lipid profiles and cardiovascular disease risks among COC-users.MethodsThis is a prospective, comparative multicentered study conducted at four health facilities in Nigeria. Participants were new users of contraceptives; 120 each of women initiating COCs (group I) and those initiating other forms of nonhormonal contraceptives (group II) were recruited and monitored over a 6-month period. Serial lipid profile, blood pressure, and atherogenic risk for cardiovascular diseases were measured at recruitment (start) and scheduled follow-up clinic visits at 3 months and 6 months for all participants. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 21.0) and P value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsIn all, 225 participants (111 COC-users, 114 nonCOC-users) that completed the study were aged 18 to 49 years. There was a statistically significant increase in the diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.001), Low Density Lipoprotein- Cholesterol (P = 0.038) and higher atherogenic risk (P = 0.001) among COC-users compared to nonCOC-users. The serial total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, High Density Lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index were higher among COC-users but were not statistically significant compared to nonCOC-users.ConclusionAlterations in lipid profile and increased short-term atherogenic risk for cardiovascular disease were reported among the COC-users in this study. Serial lipid profile and atherogenic risk assessment for cardiovascular diseases are recommended for monitoring of COC-users.

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