Women’s migraines could increase heart risk
Wednesday 30th July, 2008
Migraine headaches are a common complaint seen by therapists in complementary therapy and alternative medicine. Migraines affect men and women of all ages but recent research suggests women who suffer ‘aura migraines’ are also more likely to develop heart disease.
The study that was carried out in the US suggests that part of the reason could be genetic with the variant gene being carried by eleven percent of the population. 25,000 white women who took part in the Women’s Health Study were examined by researchers to see the relationship between genes, migraines and heart disease.
Women were tested for a specific variant in the MTHFR gene which was previously associated with an increased risk of vascular events in people who suffered aura migraines. 18% percent of those tested experienced migraines at least once in their lives. 13% percent had a history of migraines over the last year and of those 40% experienced aura migraines. Over the following 12 year follow up period 625 women suffered heart-related problems including strokes and heart attacks.
In a press release from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, researcher Tobias Kurth believes the study suggests that women who suffer aura migraines should find help in reducing their risk of heart disease.
“Doctors should try to reduce heart disease risk factors and advise young women who experience migraine with aura not to smoke and to consider birth control pill alternatives,” said Kurth.
