Migraine Headaches Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Early Death

Though several studies have linked migraine and stroke, a new study has shown that migraine headaches may raise the risk of heart disease and early death.

US Nurses' Health Study followed about 115,541 women in the age group of 25-42 years from 1989 to 2011. Of these 18,000 women reported suffering from severe migraine headaches.

‘Migraine headaches raise the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and stroke, leading to early death especially among women.’

Migraines are usually a throbbing pain at the front or side of the head and are much more common among women than men.

After two decades of follow-up, they found that 1,329 had major cardiovascular disease events and 223 women died from heart disease.

They concluded that women who suffered from migraine problems had a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes compared to those who didn't suffer from migraines.

"Analysis of data from a large prospective cohort study in women show that migraine is associated with any cardiovascular disease, including coronary events and cardiovascular mortality," the authors wrote.

"These results further add to the evidence that migraine should be considered an important risk marker for cardiovascular disease, at least in women. Women who suffer from migraines should be assessed for their risk of heart problems."

Source: Medindia