Migraine headache was associated with an increased long-term risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, a recent study found. This effect was due to an increased risk of stroke (both ischemic and hemorrhagic) and myocardial infarction (MI). There was a moderate to severe degree of heterogeneity for the outcomes, which was partly explained by the presence of aura. A total of 16 cohort studies (18 study records) with 394,942 migraineurs and 757,465 non-migraineurs were analyzed. Researchers found:
- Migraine was associated with a higher risk of a major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event driven by a higher risk of stroke and MI.
- There was no difference in the risk of all-cause mortality, with a considerable degree of statistical heterogeneity between the studies.
- The presence of aura was an effect modifier for stroke and all-cause mortality.
Migraine and the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events: A meta-analysis of 16 cohort studies including 1,152,407 subjects. [Published online ahead of print March 27, 2018]. BMJ Open . doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020498.