Why You Should Tell Your Doctor About Your Migraines

A recent scientific article highlighting the link between migraines and cardiovascular risk is the perfect opportunity to remind our community about this symptom and why you should talk with your doctor about this often-neglected vascular risk factor to make sure you get the best care.

Women are more likely to get migraines, with three women impacted for every man. Between 12% and 18% of the population get migraines, which are a very specific type of headache that comes on suddenly. These headaches usually cause pulsing pain on one side of the head and last four to 72 hours on average without treatment. There are several types of migraines: catamenial migraine that occurs during menstruation, common migraine (not preceded by any particular neurological symptoms) and migraine with aura. For a migraine with aura, temporary neurological symptoms appear before the migraine begins. The most frequent type of migraine is called ocular migraine due to various visual symptoms like twinkling lights, colored spots, blurred vision and temporary blindness. It’s the most important one to pay attention to when evaluating vascular risk factors. For several years, studies have shown that these migraines with aura are associated with an increased risk of stroke. A new study analyzing all major cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes and vascular death) re-emphasizes the significance of this risk factor. This study also compared migraines with aura with other more traditional vascular risk factors. It showed that they would be a greater risk factor for cardiovascular events than obesity and certain lipid disorders. Of course, it’s critical to pay attention to all vascular risk factors. Yet, women and their doctors should especially be on alert for migraines with aura. Women who experience them should have regular follow-up care to effectively address their cardiovascular risks. Get ahead of these risks by talking with your doctor about this symptom, especially when getting hormone replacement therapy, changing contraception methods or entering menopause so you get the most appropriate treatment at these stages. Kurth T et al. Association of migraine with aura and other risk factors with incident cardiovascular disease in women. JAMA 2020, June 9, 2020.

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