Migraine Sufferers Twice as Likely to Have Heart Attack

Cindy McCain's emotional public revelation that she suffers from migraine headaches was a little over the top, but we may have secretly commiserated with her plight.

Migraines are characterized by throbbing pain that's often localized to one side of the head and are frequently accompanied by nausea, seeing flashing lights or having distorted vision and experiencing sensitivity to light and sound--these headaches are about as much fun as being called into work on a Saturday. Ladies who get them should be aware that, according to a recent study, people who suffer from migraines are twice as likely to have heart attacks and are more susceptible to stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol than those who don't get them.

These findings suggest that there might be a link between migraines and the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Although, yes, heart attacks and strokes are probably not something to worry about getting just yet, you'll recall that the same attitude towards credit card debt in college has gotten more than one homegirl in trouble later on. Regular exercise, laying off the cigs and paying conscientious attention to any other health issues are topnotch preventative measures for migraine sufferers to initiate now. Just think of all of this as under-eye cream for your heart.

Source:
Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2010, February 12). Migraine may double risk of heart attack. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100210161732.htm