Health risks for women suffering from Migraine with aura

Women who have migraines with aura, which are often visual disturbances such as flashing lights, may be more likely to have problems with their heart and blood vessels, and those on newer contraceptives may be at higher risk for blood clots,

The first study showed that migraine with aura is a strong contributor to the development of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. After high blood pressure, migraine with aura was the second strongest single contributor to risk of heart attacks and strokes, It came ahead of diabetes, current smoking, obesity, and family history of early heart disease. while people with migraine with aura have an increased risk, it does not mean that everyone with migraine with aura will have a heart attack or stroke. People with migraine with aura can reduce their risk in the same ways others can, such as not smoking, keeping blood pressure low and weight down and exercising.

The second study looked at women with migraine who take hormonal contraceptives and the occurrence of blood clots. The study involved women with migraine with and without aura who were taking both newer contraceptives such as the contraceptive patch and ring and older contraceptives. Women with migraine with aura were more likely to have experienced blood clot complications such as deep vein thrombosis with all types of contraceptives than women with migraine without aura. The occurrence of blood clot complications was also higher in women with migraine who took contraceptives than women taking the contraceptives who did not have migraine.

Women who have migraine with aura should be sure to include this information in their medical history and talk to their doctors about the possible higher risks of newer contraceptives

Migraine with aura is associated with a twofold increased risk of stroke, The risk was highest among young women with migraine with aura who smoke and use estrogen containing contraceptives. An international team of researchers analysed the results of nine studies on the association between any migraine (with and without aura) and cardiovascular disease. They show that migraine with aura is associated with a twofold increased risk of ischemic stroke. This risk is further increased by being female, age less than 45 years, smoking, and estrogen containing contraceptive use. In light of these findings, the authors recommend that young women who have migraine with aura should be strongly advised to stop smoking, and methods of birth control other than estrogen containing contraceptives should be considered. They suggest that patients who have migraine with aura should be followed closely and treated aggressively for modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

Citations:

American Academy of Neurology (AAN). "Migraine with aura may lead to heart attack, blood clots for women." ScienceDaily, 15 Jan. 2013. Web. 3 Mar. 2013.