Migraine, Cardiovascular Disease Linked in Women

Women who experience migraines, take note: Migraines were found to be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart attack, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society in July 2014. These findings are based on an analysis of data from more than 115,000 participants in the Nurses’ Health Study.

In the study, 18 percent of the participants reported they had been diagnosed with migraine by a physician. Every two years, from 1989 until 2011, participants answered questions regarding CVD and other health conditions.

Women who had been diagnosed with migraine had more CVD risk factors; they were more likely to be obese, to smoke, to have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and to have a family history of CVD. Women with migraine were more likely to have had a heart attack, stroke, angina, and/or a revascularization procedure (stenting or bypass surgery).

The nature of the connection between migraine and CVD requires more research, and several theories regarding possible mechanisms that may explain the relationship are under study. For migraine sufferers, the prudent approach is to do all you can to reduce your risks for CVD, and to be regularly screened for CVD by your doctor.

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