Mind, Body & Heart: All you need to know about...

No rise in BP
Oral contraceptives do not increase the blood pressure response in women during large muscle exercise (like cycling or running), according to a study on Monday led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

Pill effect

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills are taken by women to prevent pregnancy and reduce acne, menstrual cramps, and the risk of ovarian cysts.

Although certain oral contraceptives are known to raise resting blood pressure, the exercise blood pressure response during intense exercises is not currently well understood.

In addition, research has been ambiguous on whether hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle influence blood pressure.

In response to exercise
The researchers, including from the University of Minnesota, US, found that both oral contraceptive use and general fluctuations in endogenous ovarian hormone (like estrogens) in young women (20-25 years of age), did not influence blood pressure.

The results were similar with lower body exercise and activation of skeletal muscle sensory neurons -- known to contribute to exaggerated blood pressure responses in people with cardiovascular diseases. “The findings of this study have wide application and are important as it sheds light on the influence of oral contraceptives on blood pressure response to exercise in women,” said Dr. Ninitha AJ, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras.

EPR

Exercise can acutely increase blood pressure due to increased sympathetic nerve activity (fight or flight) from skeletal muscle sensory neurons known as ‘Exercise Pressor Reflex’ (EPR).

The EPR results in an increase in blood flow from the heart to the skeletal muscle to meet the needs of the muscle.