Patterns in contraception counseling among women with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND

Contraceptive counseling is an important component of cardiovascular care for women of reproductive age with cardiovascular disease (CD).

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the prevalence of contraceptive counseling by cardiologists in women of reproductive age with CD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of women aged 18-45 with CD, assessing obstetric history, contraceptive counseling, and contraceptive use. Participants were categorized by CD type (congenital vs. acquired), World Health Organization (WHO) CD risk (I-II vs. III-IV), and teratogenic cardiovascular medication use.

RESULTS

Among 176 respondents, women with acquired CD were less likely to recall contraceptive counseling than those with congenital CD(11% vs. 39%, p < 0.001). High-risk patients (WHO III-IV) more frequently recalled counseling than low-risk patients (36% vs. 9%, p < 0.001). Only 21% of women taking teratogenic medications recalled counseling, and 42% were not using contraception. Contraceptive use did not differ by CD type (49% vs. 55%, p = 0.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Contraceptive counseling remains underutilized, highlighting an opportunity to improve reproductive and cardiovascular care.