Migraine with aura is believed to increase the risk of strokes and possibly heart attacks, although the risk estimates vary from study to study.
A recent study demonstrated no increase in the risk of strokes in people who suffered from migraine with and without aura, unless they were active smokers. The findings were published last month in the journal Neurology. Among the 1292 participants with an average age of 68 years there were 262 with migraine. There was no relationship between migraine (with or without aura) and stroke or heart attacks during the 11 year follow up period. However, among the 198 current smokers, there was a 3-fold increased risk for stroke.
The lack of relationship between migraine with aura and stroke seen in previous studies is probably due to a relatively small sample size.
I personally have seen two young women with migraine with aura who suffered a stroke. Both of them were smokers and were taking oral contraceptives. Estrogen contraceptives (even newer ones with lower estrogen content) further increase the risk of strokes in women who have migraine with aura. Progesterone-only pill does not increase the risk of strokes. Some women with severe endometriosis, heavy menstrual blood loss, and severe PMS sometimes have to accept a slight increase in the risk of strokes and take an estrogen-based contraceptive. However, if they smoke, they must stop smoking and also try to reduce other risk factors for strokes, if they are present. These include keeping hypertension and diabetes under control, lower high cholesterol, maintain normal weight and exercise regularly.
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