Migraine and cardiovascular disease: what cardiologists should know

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Migraine is a chronic, disabling neurovascular disease with complex pathophysiology, affecting women disproportionately.
• Migraine is associated with a significant global socioeconomic burden due to disability, particularly in women under 50.
• Migraine with aura is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, and myocardial infarction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiology of migraine and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• To discuss current migraine therapies and their potential cardiovascular side effects.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding contraindications for newer migraine treatments in patients with CVD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on migraine pathophysiology and CVD associations.
• Analysis of current pharmacological treatments for migraine (preventative and acute).
• Discussion of potential cardiovascular risks and contraindications associated with migraine medications.

Main Results:

• Migraine, particularly with aura, is a risk factor for various cardiovascular events.
• Current migraine treatments may pose cardiovascular risks, necessitating careful consideration in patients with CVD.
• There are significant knowledge gaps concerning the safety of newer migraine treatments in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Conclusions:

• Migraine and CVD share complex pathophysiological links that require further investigation.
• Cardiologists must be aware of the interplay between migraine and CVD to optimize patient care.
• Future research should focus on clarifying contraindications for migraine therapies in CVD patients and developing safer treatment strategies.