Associations between migraine and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Migraine is a common chronic, intermittent headache disorder that in some patients is accompanied by neurological symptoms, particularly visual symptoms, known as migraine aura. Several population-based studies have linked migraine, and particularly migraine with aura, with increased risk of ischemic stroke. Recent prospective data suggest an association between migraine with aura and any ischemic vascular events, including coronary heart disease. The precise biological mechanism by which migraine with aura may increase the risk of vascular events is currently unknown and likely complex. Potential mechanisms involve shared risk factors, inter-relationships between migraine and vascular pathologies, migraine treatments, as well as genetic components. This review aims to summarize the epidemiologic evidence linking migraine with ischemic vascular events, discuss potential mechanisms and to outline potential consequences.

Keywords::

• cardiovascular disease
• coronary heart disease
• epidemiology
• ischemic stroke
• migraine

Financial disclosure

Within the last 5 years, T Kurth has received investigator-initiated research funding as Principal or Co-Investigator from the National Institutes of Health, Bayer AG, McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals and Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. T Kurth is also a consultant to i3 Drug Safety, and received an honorarium from Organon for contributing to an expert panel.