RESEARCH - Migraine with and without aura and risk for cardiovascular disease

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Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2008 Oct;10(5):427-33.

Migraine with and without aura and risk for cardiovascular disease.

Vargas BB, Dodick DW, Wingerchuk DM, Demaerschalk BM.

Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Hospital, 5777 East Mayo

Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ 85054, USA.

Migraine, cardiovascular disease, and stroke are three highly

prevalent and disabling conditions that exert a significant

socioeconomic impact. The association between migraine and a twofold

risk of stroke and myocardial infarction has been the topic of much

debate. The mechanism underlying this link is largely unknown but may

be the result of an increased prevalence of other conditions such as

vasculopathies, hypercoagulable states, and patent foramen ovale seen

in migraine with aura. Although many prior studies have demonstrated

increased risks in women with migraine with aura, an emerging body of

evidence is showing similar risks in men. These risks are further

compounded with increased migraine frequency, smoking, and the use of

oral contraceptive pills. Because the overall risk for stroke and

myocardial infarction in migraineurs remains relatively low,

recommendations at this time are limited to the modification of

cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking cessation and the

avoidance of oral contraceptive pills, especially in women suffering

from migraine with aura.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18706284

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