Migraine with aura is a well established risk factor for ischemic stroke in women. However, the risk of this particular form of migraine with other ischemic disorders such as those of the heart is unknown.

A new study published in the July 19, 2006 issue of the Journal of American Medical Association has established that migraine with aura does increase the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events such as heart attacks.

The investigators found that there was a 2 fold increase in the risk of major cardiovascular disease, ischemic stroke and death in women more than 45 years of age. There was also a 1.7 times increase in risk of the landing up in the cath lab for a coronary revascularization.

The most possible hypothesis is that the genes which confer a risk for migraine with aura also confer a risk for ischemia. If this is true then theoretically women younger than 45 and men should also be at risk. This is yet to be confirmed.

It also remains to be confirmed if adequate treatment of this particular form of migraine decreases this risk.

Women with migraine without aura were not found to be at increased risk.

Reference - Journal of Medical Association Editorial
Migraine and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Technorati Tags: Aura, Heart attack, Ischemia, Migraine, Stroke

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