Patterns in contraception counseling among women with cardiovascular disease.

Abstract

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.