Is Your Migraine Increasing Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke? Key Facts Women Need to Know
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Migraine is more than a disabling headache – it also can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Many neurologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of migraines now classify them as a full-body disorder that can impact the entire neurovascular system, affecting not only the brain and nervous system, but also the vascular and cardiovascular systems.
While migraine headaches occur in both women and men, significantly more women than men experience this disease (21% compared to 10.7%). Recent research has uncovered another health risk associated with migraine in women—an increased risk of a range of cardiovascular diseases including ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, obstructive coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular death when compared with women who do not have migraines.
This increased risk is associated with the type of headache called migraine with aura. Prior to the onset of this type of migraine, people experience sensory disturbances such as vision changes (seeing spots, flashes, stars, or temporary loss of sight), sensory symptoms (numbness or tingling in the face, body, hands, or fingers), and/or speech and language problems (slurred speech, trouble with word finding). After the aura symptoms, the typical migraine symptoms of severe headache pain start.
A recent study published in The BMJ supported earlier data linking increased cardiovascular risk and migraine, especially for women. The risk was highest in the first year after a migraine diagnosis. The study found that compared to people without migraine, women with migraine have:
- An approximately 39% higher risk of heart attack
- 62% higher risk of stroke
- 73% higher risk of needing cardiac surgery
The link between migraine and cardiovascular disease
To date, the connection between migraine and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease is not fully understood. Some research suggests that a mechanism that occurs during migraine with aura called cortical spreading depression (unusual patterns of electrical activity in the brain caused by waves of neurons firing and then briefly shutting down) may be associated with blood vessel instability. This instability, in turn, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Other possible factors that may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions in women with migraine include:
- Poor endothelial function (the blood vessel lining does not function properly) and increased platelet clumping
- Vasospasm (narrowing of the arteries due to a contraction of the blood vessels)
- Preeclampsia during pregnancy
- Patent foramen ovale (PFO), a common type of hole in the heart that is present at birth and often causes no symptoms that may allow small clots to pass from the venous to the arterial system
- Frequent, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems
More study is needed to find a definitive cause for the link between migraine and cardiovascular disease.
Strategies to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease
Because researchers don’t yet know the specific causes of the increased risk of heart and vascular disease in women who have migraines, the strategies for reducing your risk focus on improving your overall cardiovascular health.
- Stay on top of preventive care. See your primary care physician at the recommended intervals to check for markers of an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and high blood glucose. If you are diagnosed with these conditions, take your medications as prescribed. You may also want to be evaluated by a cardiologist. Your health advisor can connect you with experienced cardiologists who can monitor the health of your heart and help you manage your risk.
- If you smoke or use tobacco, quit. Smoking promotes the build-up of plaque, which narrows the arteries. It can also increase your triglyceride levels and decrease your HDL or “good” cholesterol levels, increase the risk of blood clots, damage the cells lining blood vessels, and reduce blood flow to the brain.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol. A study found that both high and moderate alcohol intake (defined as eight or more drinks per week and three to seven drinks per week respectively for women) significantly increased women’s risk of heart disease compared to those who only had one to two drinks per week. The women with high alcohol intake had a 45% higher risk of heart disease, while those with a moderate intake had a 29% higher risk.
- Choose a healthy diet. Limit saturated and trans fats, added sugar, and sodium and choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein.
- Take part in regular physical activity. Get 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.
- Manage sleep apnea. This condition can cause low oxygen levels while sleeping and raise blood pressure, increasing stroke risk. It has also been associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and heart attack.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of a range of cardiovascular diseases. Your healthcare provider and health advisor can help you build a plan to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and heart rate, cause inflammation throughout the body, and raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels, all contributors to the development of heart disease. Mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, physical activity, and taking part in relaxing activities that you enjoy can help lower your stress levels.
Connect with PinnacleCare
For more information about how PinnacleCare’s Health Advisors could assist you with migraine and cardiovascular support, connect with us today.
PinnacleCare is a member of the Sun Life Financial Inc. (“Sun Life”) family of companies. PinnacleCare and its employees do not diagnose medical conditions, recommend treatment options or provide medical care, and any information or services provided should not be considered medical advice. Any medical decisions should be made only after consultation with and at the direction of your medical provider. Any person or entity who provides health care services following a referral or other service provided does so independently and not as an agent or representative of PinnacleCare.
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