Migraine and risk of cardiovascular diseases

Migraine may be a key risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases, according to findings from a cohort study in Denmark. Analyzing nationwide hospital data from 1995–2013, they used Cox regression analysis to compare risks of various cardiovascular problems in patients suffering from migraine with risks in the general population. Among 51,032 patients with incident migraine and 510,320 controls matched by age, gender, and calendar year, investigators found no statistically significant association between migraine and peripheral artery disease or heart failure. There was a positive correlation, however, between migraine and myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, venous thromboembolism, and atrial fibrillation or flutter. The associations, especially for stroke, were strongest within the first year after migraine diagnosis but weakened somewhat over the long term. Patients with aura also were more affected than in those without aura, and women were more prone to cardiovascular morbidity than men. The findings will help shape risk-reduction strategies going forward.