Hypertension and Migraine in the Northern Manhattan Study

To investigate the association between migraine and hypertension in the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS), a multiethnic community-based sample.

Cross-sectional cohort study.

1338 NOMAS participants (mean age 68.1 ± 9.6 years, 37% male, 15% non-Hispanic White, 19% non-Hispanic Black, 67% Hispanic).

Northern Manhattan community.

Participants were assessed for migraine symptoms using a self-report questionnaire based on criteria from the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, the patient's self-reported hypertension, or use of anti-hypertensive medications. Duration (≤9 years vs >9 years) and control (BP<140/90) of hypertension were examined. We estimated the association between hypertension and migraine (overall and with/without aura) using logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic and vascular risk factors.

The majority of participants (80%) had no migraine, 6% had migraine with aura, and 15% had migraine without aura. Hypertension was present in 76% of the study population (7% had controlled hypertension ≤9 years duration, 5% controlled hypertension >9 years duration, 41% uncontrolled hypertension ≤9 years duration, 23% uncontrolled hypertension >9 years duration). Hypertension was associated with migraine (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.21-2.54), both with and without aura. This association was particularly apparent for those with uncontrolled and long duration hypertension.

Hypertension, particularly uncontrolled and of long duration, is associated with migraine, both with and without aura, in a predominantly Hispanic community-based cohort.