This could be a tough pill to swallow. An estimated 250 million women worldwide are believed to use some form of hormonal contraception. Past research has suggested a link between the use of synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

Certain hormonal contraceptives are associated with a higher stroke and heart attack risk, finds a large study from Denmark in The BMJ that draws on prescription records to give more precise estimates for different products than previous studies.

A Danish study highlights the increased risk of heart attack and ischemic stroke associated with certain hormonal contraceptives like vaginal rings, s

The most common formulation of birth control pills has been linked to a doubling of relative risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study finds.

Experts said the risks were still very low, but it was important for women to be fully informed when considering their contraceptive choices

The study revealed that there was a greater risk of both heart attack and stroke linked to most forms of hormonal contraceptives.