Migraine and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Migraine with aura is linked to a higher cardiovascular risk profile in women. This study involved 27,840 US women aged 45 years or older. All participants were free of cardiovascular disease and angina at the start. They reported their migraine and aura status during the study. Over a mean follow-up of 10 years, 580 major cardiovascular events occurred. Among those with active migraine and aura, the risks for major cardiovascular disease increased significantly. For example, the hazard ratio for major cardiovascular disease was 2.15. In contrast, women with active migraine without aura showed no increased risk of vascular events. The findings suggest that migraine with aura leads to higher risks of ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, and ischemic CVD death. Overall, this research indicates that migraine with aura warrants attention for cardiovascular health in women. Clinical relevance: This study highlights the increased cardiovascular risks associated with migraine with aura in women, emphasizing the need for monitoring and preventive strategies.