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Hypertension in headache patients? A clinical study
U Pietrini1, M De Luca, G De Santis
1Headache Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. u.pietrini@libero.it
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|September 9, 2005
Summary
Hypertension is common in headache patients, especially those with chronic tension-type headache or medication-overuse headache. This finding suggests hypertension should be screened for in headache patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Headache disorders are prevalent globally.
- Hypertension is a significant cardiovascular risk factor.
- The relationship between hypertension and various headache types requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hypertension among patients presenting to a Headache Center.
- To compare hypertension rates across different headache diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1486 consecutive outpatients at a Headache Center.
- Blood pressure was measured for all participants.
Main Results:
- Overall hypertension prevalence was 28%, significantly higher than in the general population.
- Hypertension was most prevalent in medication-overuse headache (60.6%) and chronic tension-type headache (55.3%).
- Hypertension was less common in migraine without aura (23%) and migraine with aura (16.9%).
Conclusions:
- Hypertension is frequently observed in headache patients, particularly those with chronic tension-type headache and medication-overuse headache.
- Hypertension may contribute to headache exacerbation and has therapeutic implications.
- Active screening for hypertension in headache patients is recommended.