However, the older, higher dose birth control pills that contain more than 50 micrograms of estrogen do increase a woman's chances for a heart attack, even if she does not smoke. Birth control pills increase risk for clotting that blocks arteries leading to the heart to cause a heart attack.
Smoking constricts arteries and increases clotting to block arteries.
Arch Intern Med. 20895 Transcripts of segments of The Dr. Gabe Mirkin Show are provided as a service to listeners at no charge. Dr. Mirkin's opinions and the references cited are for information only, and are not intended to diagnose or prescribe. For your specific diagnosis and treatment, consult your doctor or health care provider.