New Study Suggests Link Between Migraines and Heart Disease

Migraine sufferers now have another symptom to monitor in addition to the traditional pain and debilitating discomfort associated with the condition. In a new report from Reuters Health, researchers have found that people who suffer from migraines may have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke than those who do not have the severe headaches. Previous studies have shown a link between cardiovascular disease and migraines with auras, however, none have been conclusive regarding migraines without auras, which account for eighty percent of migraine sufferers. Auras are neurological symptoms that include visual difficulties, tingling, and ringing of the ears that may precede a migraine.

The study followed 11,000 individuals with and without migraines. The researchers found that instances of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problems were much more likely in those people who had migraines. Moreover, there was no differential between migraines with auras and without; they were all equally susceptible to heart conditions. Although there is no specific known cause for migraines, it is generally accepted that migraine pain involves the constriction and swelling of blood vessels. The researchers believe that this study indicates that people with migraines may suffer from an overall problem with blood vessels throughout the body. Additionally, they found that migraine sufferers also exhibited high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, which all contribute to cardiovascular disease. The researchers were quick to note, however, that even these conditions did not demonstrate why a link between migraines and cardiovascular problems exists. Although they believe that there may be some underlying susceptibility of individuals with migraines to develop heart conditions, further research pinpointing the exact cause will be necessary.

The researchers also caution migraine sufferers against worrying too much about these findings. Although individuals suffering with migraines have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, the overall, absolute risk is relatively small. For example, only four percent of the migraine sufferers studied also had cardiovascular problems. In the group who did not experience migraines, the rate was two percent, which is not a large gap. Despite this small difference between the two groups, the researchers do encourage migraine sufferers to monitor and guard against any risk factors that may contribute to heart problems, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol.

In addition to watching your risk factors, it may also be important to discuss possible cardiovascular problems with your doctor. Severe heart disease, as well as migraines, may prevent you from working and are considered disabilities by the Social Security Administration. Being properly diagnosed and treated will not only help you manage these conditions, but may also result in a faster outcome for disability benefits. If you are having any thoughts that you may have risk factors that could lead to heart disease in addition to your migraines, ask your doctor to take your blood work and begin any necessary treatment.