Exploring the Connection Between Migraines and Heart Disease
A migraine isn’t just a bad headache. It’s a neurological condition involving changes in blood vessels, nerves, and brain chemistry, and researchers are exploring the connection between migraines and heart disease.
During a migraine, blood vessels in the brain narrow and then widen, which affects blood flow throughout the body. Inflammation, hormonal shifts, and certain genetic factors can also contribute to how and why migraines occur.
Because the cardiovascular system and nervous system are closely connected, these same mechanisms may help explain why people with frequent migraines could have a higher risk for heart-related conditions.
What the research shows
New studies have found an association between migraines and heart disease. People who experience migraines with aura — temporary visual or sensory disturbances that appear before pain begins — seem to face the highest risk for stroke, heart attack, and irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation.
One long-term study published in the BMJ found that migraines were linked to a greater likelihood of major cardiovascular events, even after accounting for traditional risk factors. Researchers believe that inflammation in the blood vessels, vascular reactivity, and overlapping health conditions may all contribute to this connection.
The takeaway isn’t that every person with migraines will develop heart disease. Rather, migraines may serve as an early clue that it’s time to take a closer look at your overall cardiovascular health.
Shared risk factors for migraines and heart disease
Many of the same risk factors that affect heart health can also trigger or worsen migraines, including:
- Hormonal changes, particularly in women
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease or stroke
Managing these factors benefits both conditions. Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control, staying active, and maintaining good sleep habits can reduce migraine frequency and lower cardiovascular risk.
When to talk with your doctor
If you experience frequent or severe migraines, it’s worth discussing your overall heart health with your provider, particularly if you have other risk factors.
You should seek medical attention if your migraines are:
- New or significantly changing in pattern
- Accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness
- Associated with irregular heartbeats or palpitations
Your doctor may recommend further evaluation, such as blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol testing, or an electrocardiogram to check heart rhythm. Some migraine medications can also affect blood vessels or heart rate, so your care team may coordinate between neurology and cardiology to ensure your treatment plan is safe and effective.
Protecting both brain and heart
The same habits that protect your heart often help prevent migraines. Staying hydrated, getting regular exercise, ensuring consistent sleep, and managing stress all improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Limiting caffeine and alcohol and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol within healthy ranges can also make a difference.
Preventive medications, when needed, can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines while supporting your heart health.
Personalized care for your health
At the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, we recognize that migraines and heart disease are often interconnected. Our physicians work closely with patients and other specialists to evaluate risk factors, coordinate care, and create personalized treatment plans that support the whole person.
If you experience frequent migraines or have concerns about your heart health, we can help you understand your risks and develop a plan for prevention and long-term wellness. Contact the Oklahoma Heart Hospital today to learn more about treatment options and how we can protect your heart health.