| dc.description.abstract | The role of oral contraceptives on the female cardiovascular system remains largely a mystery. However, it is widely accepted that estrogen plays a role in cardiovascular protection. Salivary biomarkers, namely estradiol and nitrate, allow for further understanding of estrogen and nitric oxide levels in young healthy females currently taking oral contraceptives. Flow-mediated dilation provides images of the dilation of the brachial artery under shear stress. The control group, those not taking oral contraceptives, was found to have higher levels of endogenous 17-beta-estradiol. However, the experimental group, women taking birth control, experienced significantly greater blood vessel dilation than the control group. This finding has future influence in female cardiovascular health, vasoprotection, and the wider debate over the safety of oral contraceptives. | |
