Migraines And Heart Disease: Is There A Link?

Migraines are more than just headaches. Did you know that they are connected to heart diseases? There is a particular type of migraine which is said to be more harmful in this regard. However, frequent migraines also cause inflammation in the body, which raises risk of cardiovascular issues. 

To get a better understanding of this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to our experts, Dr Sanjay Bhat, Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, and Dr VP Sharma, Director and Senior Consultant Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar, Punjab.

Are Migraines Linked To Heart Diseases?

As per a 2009 study, published in the Neurology journal, those who suffer from ‘migraines with aura’ may face a significantly higher risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Migraines with aura include visual or sensory warning signs before the headache begins. The findings further noted that individuals who experience regular migraines without aura symptoms usually do not have this same increased risk for cardiovascular issues. 

Explaining this further, Dr Bhat shares, “Yes, there is a possible link between migraine and heart disease, especially in some groups of people. A migraine is a type of severe headache that can cause throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound, and some people also experience warning signs called aura before the headache starts.”

He adds, “Studies have shown that people who have migraines with aura may have a slightly higher risk of heart-related problems like heart attack and stroke. The exact reason for this link is not fully understood, but experts believe it may be related to how blood vessels function in the body. Migraines are thought to involve changes in blood flow and blood vessel activity, and similar changes can also affect the heart and brain.”

migraine heart 1

Dr Bhat adds that another possible connection between the two is inflammation. “People with frequent migraines may have higher levels of inflammation in the body, and long-term inflammation is known to increase the risk of heart disease. There may also be shared risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and lack of physical activity. In some cases, a condition called a small hole in the heart, known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), has been linked to migraines with aura and may increase stroke risk, although this link is still being studied,” explains the expert.

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What Is Migraine Aura?

As per the Cleveland Clinic, a migraine aura is a “warning stage” that sometimes manifests right before the start of a migraine headache. Migraine aura indicates any number of sensory disturbances, such as dots, sparks or zigzags in your vision, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), dizziness or not being able to speak clearly. On this note, let us take a look at the different types of migraine auras:

• Visual aura: This is a common type of migraine aura, which causes temporary altercations in your vision such as flashing lights or zigzags.
• Sensorimotor aura: These may consist of symptoms such as feeling a tingling sensation, numbness or weakness in your limbs.
• Dysphasic aura: This is a rare type of migraine aura. It includes changes in communication such as mumbling or slurred speech.

migraine heart 2

Can Migraines Trigger Heart Problems?

Now we know that there is indeed a link between migraine and heart diseases. However, does this imply that migraines can cause or trigger cardiovascular issues? Our expert explains.

“It’s important to note that migraines do not directly cause heart disease. Instead, they act as a warning sign or risk marker. Think of it as the body hinting that the vascular system may need closer attention. For people with recurrent migraines, particularly with aura, it is important to think beyond pain relief. Monitoring blood pressure, not smoking, managing stress and talking to a doctor about heart risk are all important considerations,” explains Dr Sharma.

Shedding light on this, Dr Bhat shares: “It is important to note that not everyone with migraines will develop heart disease. The overall risk is still low, especially in young and otherwise healthy people.”

Are Migraine Medications Safe For Heart Patients?

A 2020 study, published in the Journal of Primary Care and Community Health, shares a finding about the most common migraine medication called triptans. The medicine functions by narrowing blood vessels to help stop headache pain. This narrowing effect takes place throughout the body. Therefore, these drugs are said to dangerously restrict blood flow to the heart. The study adds that as a result, they can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, making the medicine risky for individuals with existing heart problems. 

The study reviewed medical records and further discovered that nearly half of migraine patients have heart conditions or risks, making triptans unsafe. It also mentioned that newer types of migraine medicines do not narrow blood vessels, and offer a much safer alternative for protecting your heart health.

migraine heart 3

Preventive Measures To Reduce Risk For Migraine And Heart Disease

On this note, let us take a look at some preventive tips to keep migraines and heart diseases at bay.

Migraine-specific Preventative Measures

• Medication.
• CGRP Inhibitors.
• Supplements.
• Neuromodulation.

Heart Disease-specific Preventive Measures 

• Avoid Smoking.
• Blood Pressure Management.
• Weight Management.

migraine heart 4

Lifestyle Changes To Deal With Migraine

There are certain lifestyle changes that can help an individual manage migraine. Dr Bhat explains that to stay safe, people with migraines should do the following:

• Manage their triggers.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle.
• Avoid smoking.
• Regularly checking blood pressure.
• Frequently checking cholesterol levels. 

“In simple terms, migraines and heart disease may be connected through blood vessel changes and inflammation, but with proper care, the risks can be reduced,” adds the expert.

As per a 2022 study, published in the Frontiers of Neurology journal, physical activity, management of obesity, a healthy diet, and a better lifestyle like getting enough sleep and avoidance of drug use – all these can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. 

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Conclusion

While migraines are often dismissed as ‘bad headaches’, research is increasingly indicating that they may be related to heart health. Studies have shown that people with migraines, particularly women who are experiencing migraines with aura, have a higher risk of conditions like stroke and heart attacks, in some cases. Factors like abnormal blood vessel function, increased tendency for clot formation, and inflammation also play a vital role in such cases.