What You Need to Know About Migraines and Your Heart Health

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the complex nature of migraines and their potential impact beyond the excruciating head pain they can bring.

While many recognize migraines as a debilitating neurological condition, fewer people are aware of their connection to heart health. Experts at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute explain the link between migraines and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and offer advice on how you can protect your heart.  

The Link Between Migraines and Heart Disease  

Migraines are more than just severe headaches; they are a neurovascular condition, meaning they involve both the nervous system and blood vessels. Research has shown that people who suffer from migraines – particularly migraines with aura, which involve neurological symptoms that typically occur before or during the headache phase – have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, strokes, atrial fibrillation and metabolic syndrome compared to those who don’t experience migraines.  

Does this mean that migraines cause heart disease? Not necessarily, says Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., chief of cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and chief medical executive of Integrated Services and Precision Care for Baptist Health.  

“It is not clear that there is a causal relationship; rather, migraines and cardiovascular disease can both be manifestations of the same genetic and lifestyle risks,” explains Dr. Fialkow. “Identifying and treating those risk factors remains beneficial.”  

How Much Does Migraine Increase Heart Risk?  

For the average person with migraines, the increased risk of heart disease falls somewhere between minimal and significant, says Dr. Fialkow. And that is why migraine sufferers should be proactive about their heart health.  

“Think of migraines as a signal to be more aggressive in identifying and modifying cardiac risk factors, as opposed to being a direct cause of cardiovascular problems,” Dr. Fialkow advises.  

By managing blood pressure, cholesterol and other heart disease risk factors, people with migraines can help lower their chances of developing cardiovascular conditions such as:  

·      Heart attack (myocardial infarction)  

·      Stroke  

·      Atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat)  

·      Hypertension (high blood pressure)  

·      Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels)  

Could a Heart Condition Be Causing Your Migraines?  

One area of ongoing research is the connection between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and migraines. PFO is a common congenital heart anomaly present in about 25 percent of the population. While most people never experience complications from PFO, it is seen more frequently in migraine sufferers.  

“Closing the PFO has not shown a clear benefit in migraine sufferers, but some do respond,” Dr. Fialkow notes. “However, it has not proven to be better than medical therapy for migraines. More research is needed before definitive PFO closure for migraine relief can be offered.”  

Migraines and POTS: A Common Thread?  

Another condition linked to migraines is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate and fainting.  

“POTS is an abnormality of our autonomic nervous system, which can affect blood vessels,” explains Maria Vera Silva, M.D., a neurologist at Miami Neuroscience Institute. “Migraine also has a blood vessel component, so it makes sense that they could have a common pathological mechanism. This could be why many POTS sufferers have migraines, and why several treatments help both conditions.”  

Protecting Your Heart While Managing Migraines  

For those living with migraines, taking steps to support cardiovascular health is an essential part of managing your overall well-being. Dr. Fialkow and Dr. Vera Silva recommend the following:  

·      Know your risk factors and get regular check-ups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol and heart health.  

·      Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying active and avoiding smoking.  

·      Manage stress, as it can trigger both migraines and heart issues, making relaxation techniques beneficial.  

·      Stay hydrated and get enough sleep, as dehydration and poor sleep can worsen migraines and impact heart health.  

·      Work with a specialist if you have migraines and concerns about your heart health. Seeing both a neurologist and a cardiologist can help ensure a comprehensive care plan.  

Final Thoughts  

Migraines are more than just headaches; they may also serve as a warning sign for underlying cardiovascular risks. While there’s no definitive proof that migraines cause heart disease, they do share common risk factors. Taking steps to identify, manage and reduce those risks is crucial.  

If you suffer from migraines and want to learn more about protecting your heart health, consider reaching out to the specialists at Baptist Health for expert guidance and care.  

Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., chief of cardiology at Baptist Health Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute and chief medical executive of Integrated Services and Precision Care for Baptist Health

Maria Vera Silva, M.D., a neurologist at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute