Migraine and Cardiovascular Disease: Is There a Link?

It’s tempting to think of migraines as a condition that affects your brain or your head and cardiovascular disease as a condition affecting your heart and blood vessels. That’s all true. But what’s also true is that these conditions often occur together — and what’s more, they appear to be linked.

At Advanced Medical Care, our team specializes in diagnosing and managing both cardiovascular disease and neurological conditions, including migraines. Here, we break down the potential link between these two medical issues and explain what steps you can take to reduce your personal health risks and improve your long-term health.

The migraine-cardiovascular disease connection

Migraines and cardiovascular disease are both very common: Across the globe, about 1 billion people suffer from migraines, while cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, claiming about 18 million lives every year. 

Perhaps because they’re so prevalent, these conditions have been the subject of much study — and, over time, those studies have uncovered an interesting relationship between cardiovascular disease and migraines, especially migraines with aura.

Aura describes a series of side effects that accompany some migraines, such as flashing lights, blind spots, tingling sensations, or other neurological changes that typically begin even before you notice other signs like head pain or nausea.

What researchers have found is that people who have this type of migraine also often have an increased risk of cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack, or vascular conditions.

While the exact reason behind this link isn’t completely understood, researchers believe it has to do with several underlying factors. For instance, both migraines and cardiovascular disease involve changes in blood vessel function and inflammation. Hormonal fluctuations, clotting activity, irregular blood vessel regulation, and genetics could also be involved. 

Protecting your neurological and cardiovascular health

Despite this connection, it’s important to note that having migraines — even migraines with aura — doesn’t automatically mean a stroke or other cardiovascular event is in your future. Instead, migraines can serve as an important clue or trigger to help you pay more attention to your cardiovascular health, including speaking with our team about your own personal risk profile. A history of migraines can be an additional risk factor to consider and manage, similar to factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a smoking habit. 

Just as diet and exercise help reduce hypertension and high cholesterol, our team can help you find ways to manage your migraines and reduce their frequency and intensity, providing benefits that could improve your cardiovascular risk profile, too.

Most people who struggle with migraines find that they can manage their symptoms more effectively with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits and learning to manage stress more effectively. Our team can help coordinate your care so you can manage both migraines and cardiovascular risks more effectively over time.

One more consideration: Because migraines and cardiovascular issues affect everyone differently, a personalized approach to care is essential. Our team uses advanced testing and other assessments to make sure your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs both now and for the future, helping you maintain optimal long-term health.

Compassionate care tuned to your needs

The relationship between migraines and cardiovascular disease is the subject of continued research, and our team is ready to provide you with the most up-to-date care focused on reducing your risk factors and improving your long-term health and wellness.

If you have migraines, talking to our team about your risk factors is essential. To schedule your personal evaluation and risk assessment, request an appointment online or over the phone at Advanced Medical Care in Forest Hills, Queens, and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, New York.