Evidence is accumulating that migraines with aura (a visual or sensory disturbance), such as light flashes or zigzag patterns, may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers have also found that migraine with aura seems to boost the risk of earlier death from any cause, including cardiovascular disease, compared to those who don’t have the condition, and that women with migraine with aura may be at increased risk for an additional type of stroke called hemorrhagic stroke. The vast majority of migraine sufferers, however, will not get a stroke because of their migraines. More than 29 million Americans suffer from migraines and about 20% of middle-age women have migraines and up to a third experience the aura.
Migraines and Stroke Risk: The New Studies
In one study, researchers had information on which patients had migraines, with or without aura, and also non-migraine headaches. They found those with migraine with aura were about 21% more likely to die during the follow-up than those without the condition, and 27% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease compared to those with no headache. Women with migraine with aura were 19% more likely to die from non-cardiovascular disease than those without. In another study, researchers looked at the benefits and risks of low-dose aspirin and vitamin E in preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer among healthy women. Researchers evaluated the information the women had provided about their history of migraine and followed them to see when hemorrhagic stroke might have occurred. In this same study of participants, researchers looked at hemorrhagic stroke and didn’t find a significant association (with migraine with aura). Now, with longer follow-up, they see the significant association. In one study, women with active migraine with aura, but not migraine without aura, had more than a two-fold increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke compared with those with no migraine history. Researchers believe that there are probably several mechanisms, including genetic susceptibility, plus potential involvement of the arteries throughout the body plus involvement of other cardiovascular risk factors.
Second Opinion
The new research confirms a suspicion that many of us have had for many years, that migraine with aura is a significant risk factor for stroke. The current research suggests the stroke risk may extend to the hemorrhagic type. This does not mean if you have a migraine you should run into the ER for a heart attack workup or a stroke workup. However, it does mean those with migraine should be aware of the potential increased risk. If you have migraine, you need to talk to your doctor and control your other risk factors for stroke. That includes controlling high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Ask your doctor to review your medications for migraines to be sure they are the best for you.
Tags: Acupuncture, chiropractic care, Massage Therapy, migraine headaches, Migraine Support Formula, migraine treatment
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