Studies show that these
headaches can affect your overall health.
If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they can
be. Studies reveal surprising new links between these severe headaches and
other health conditions. One study, in particular, suggests that people with
the disease are more likely to develop a serious—and potentially
life-threatening—heart condition. Continue reading to learn how migraines may
be putting your heart at risk and what you can do about it.
A new study says your heart attack risk may double if you get
migraines.
According to research, people who suffer from migraines,
especially those with aura (MA), are at an increased risk of stroke. Building
on this research, a 2016 study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ)
sought to understand better the full range of heart conditions associated with
migraines.
Using data from 115,541 women between the ages of 25 and 42 who
were free of angina and cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline, the team
determined that migraines were associated with an increased risk for
significant CVD and, more specifically, heart attack. Corroborating research
estimates that recurring migraines may even double the risk.
In addition to increasing the risk of a heart attack, migraines
also raise the risk of "cardiovascular mortality," or death from a
cardiac episode, according to the authors of the BMJ study.
Women aren't the only ones at heightened risk.
Only women were included in the BMJ study (and several others),
given that women are three times more likely than males to suffer from
migraines. However, experts say men and women may be at equally heightened risk
of a cardiovascular event if they experience repeated migraines with aura.
According to a 2008 study published in the medical journal Current
Atherosclerosis Reports, "while many prior studies have demonstrated
increased risks in women with migraine with aura, an emerging body of evidence
shows similar risks in men."
However, one possible compounding risk factor affects women only:
taking oral contraceptives. For this reason, women who have repeatedly
experienced migraines with aura may wish to speak with their doctor about
alternative forms of birth control, the study suggests.
Researchers are working to understand what's behind this link.
Experts from the American Migraine Foundation (AMF) say there is
"strong evidence that migraine increases the risk of heart diseases, such
as myocardial infarction (heart attacks) and angina." (Angina is chest
pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.) However, they are still
working to understand the exact relationship between migraine and coronary
conditions.
"The mechanisms are unknown," the health organization
says, "but they are likely to involve inflammation, coagulation, and
endothelial lining of the arteries."
Women who suffer from migraine headaches have a higher risk of
developing hypertension, or high blood pressure, than those who do not,
according to a 2018 study published in the journal Cephalalgia. Since high
blood pressure is a known risk factor for heart attack, this may further
contribute to the heightened risk.
Doing this can help lower your heart attack risk.
Experts aren't sure if treating or preventing migraines can reduce
your risk of developing cardiovascular disease or heart attack. According to a
2009 study published in the journal Neurology, "it will be important to
determine whether MA is a modifiable risk factor for CVD and if migraine
preventive medications or anti-platelet therapy might reduce CVD risk in
patients with MA."
Experts recommend that people who suffer from migraines—especially
those who have an aura—focus on factors they can control that have been proven
to aid heart health until we learn more. These include refraining from tobacco
use, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. It's also essential
to manage your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and stress levels.
If you experience repeated migraines—especially migraines with aura—speak with your neurologist or other healthcare professional about the impact on your overall health.