Migraines have long been known to be more than just an intense headache. They often involve sensitivity to light and sound and can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Recent studies have now found a possible link between migraines and an increased risk for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CCDs), particularly in women.
Link Between Migraines and Cardio-Cerebrovascular Diseases
A study recently published in the Journal of Clinical Neurology shows that migraines may raise the risks for CCDs.
Led by Dr. Seung-Jae Lee from Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in South Korea, the researchers used data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service from 2002 to 2018.
This involved comparing the incidence rates of CCDs between a group of 130,050 individuals with migraines and 130,050 individuals without migraines over a median follow-up period of 14.8 years.
Findings of the Study
What the researchers found was significant. The cumulative incidence rates of all CCDs were higher in the group with migraines versus the group without migraines.
Regardless of whether the individuals experienced migraines with aura (visual disturbances) or without, migraines were associated with an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke.
Moreover, women with migraines had a higher risk of all CCDs compared to men with migraines.
Implications of the Findings
According to the authors, “The cumulative incidence curves show that the group differences in the cumulative incidence rates of CCDs increased over time.
This means that while migraine may be a minor medical problem in early life, it can be a marker for the risk of CCD in later life.”
This suggests that migraines, particularly in women, may not just be a debilitating condition to manage but also a potential early warning sign of serious health risks in the future, highlighting the need for comprehensive medical attention and preventive measures for people suffering from migraines.
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