People who suffer from frequent migraines may be at increased risk for heart disease, a new study from researchers in Denmark have found. The throbbing headaches can cause heart attack or stroke.
Migraines Linked To Heart Disease
Conducted by Dr. Kasper Adelborg Denmark of Aarhus University Hospital, the study analyzed data from more than 51,000 people who had migraines, as well as 510,320 people without migraines. People participating in Dr. Adelborg's study were 35-years-old, and he followed them until they were 54 years old.
Throughout the 19 year study, none of the participants suffered a heart attack or stroke. However, once the study was over, 2,451 people who suffered from migraines experienced a heart attack or stroke, while less than 600 people had more than one heart attack.
In addition, Dr. Adelborg found women experienced more migraines than men.
"The associations were somewhat stronger among women than men but persisted for both sexes and generally attenuated with increasing age," said Dr. Adelborg.
People who also experienced migraines with an aura, an event that can cause tingling throughout the body or changes in vision, had an increased risk suffering from heart attacks and strokes.
Why Women Have More Migraines Than Men
More than 18 percent of women suffer from migraine attacks compared to 6 percent of men, according to Migraine Research Foundation. Some women suffer 1 migraine attack each month, while others have reported more than 4 migraines per month.
Migraines in women can occur during menstruation, hormonal imbalance, menopause, and pregnancy. In addition, research also shows that those who suffer from anxiety, depression, and insomnia happen to deal with chronic migraines, according to the Migraine Research Foundation.
Men can get migraine headaches from dehydration, drinking alcohol, changes in the weather, stress, skipping meals, bright lights, or too much caffeine.
How To Avoid Symptoms Of Migraines
Some of the most common symptoms of migraines reported by men and women are sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, throbbing pain, changes in vision, and vomiting.
The best way to avoid symptoms of migraines include keeping track foods and drinks throughout the day, eating regular meals, cutting back on caffeine, and getting enough sleep at night. Getting more exercise, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress can also change the how often migraines come to visit.
