Women diagnosed with migraines have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, according to a study published in The BMJ.
Migraines have been consistently linked with an increased risk of stroke, but few studies have shown an association of migraines with cardiovascular diseases or mortality.
A team of US and German researchers carried out a large study, analysing data from 115,541 women aged 25-42.
When compared to women who did not have migraines, results showed women who reported a migraine had a greater risk for major cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
These results add to evidence that migraines should be considered an important risk marker for cardiovascular disease, experts say, but more research is needed to determine the actual mechanism by which the increased risk occurs and possible preventative measures.
