There was no association between migraine and heart attack or death due to cardiovascular disease. This risk is further increased by being female, age less than 45 years, smoking, and estrogen containing contraceptive use. They show that migraine with aura is associated with a twofold increased risk of ischemic stroke. Differences in study design and quality were taken into account to minimise bias. So to investigate this further, an international team of researchers analysed the results of nine studies on the association between any migraine (with and without aura) and cardiovascular disease.
Up to one third of sufferers also experience an aura prior to or during a migraine headache (often described as the perception of a strange light, an unpleasant smell or confusing thoughts or experiences).ĭoctors have long suspected a connection between migraine and vascular events such as stroke. Women are affected up to four times more often than men. Migraine is a common, chronic disorder that affects up to 20% of the population. The risk was highest among young women with migraine with aura who smoke and use estrogen containing contraceptives.
