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The migraine association with cardiac anomalies, cardiovascular disease, and stroke

Todd J Schwedt1

  • 1Neurology and Anesthesiology, Washington University Headache Center, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8111, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. schwedtt@neuro.wustl.edu

Neurologic Clinics
|March 18, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Migraine is linked to heart and blood vessel conditions, including patent foramen ovale and stroke. Further research is needed to understand these complex cardiovascular and cerebrovascular associations.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Migraine is increasingly associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders.
  • Prevalence of migraine is higher in individuals with specific cardiac anomalies like right-to-left shunts (e.g., patent foramen ovale) and structural heart defects.
  • Migraine is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing data on the association between migraine and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular conditions.
  • To explore the link between migraine and right-to-left shunts.
  • To examine the relationship between migraine and structural heart anomalies, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating migraine and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular conditions.
  • Analysis of data on prevalence of cardiac anomalies in migraine patients.
  • Examination of epidemiological data on stroke risk in migraineurs.

Main Results:

  • Positive association confirmed between migraine and cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders.
  • Migraine patients show higher prevalence of right-to-left shunts (patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defects, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations) and altered cardiac anatomy (mitral valve prolapse, atrial septal aneurysm, congenital heart disease).
  • Migraine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and ischemic stroke.

Conclusions:

  • The association between migraine and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular conditions is well-supported by current data.
  • While specific cardiac anomalies are more common in migraineurs, the underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
  • Migraine represents a significant risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease, necessitating clinical awareness and further research into pathophysiological links.

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