Does your migraine put you at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke? A recent study says yes. As a heart attack-survivor and migraine-sufferer, I was surprised to find out — yes! Read more in my article originally published at MyHealthyHeartInfo.com
A study released recently by the American Academy of Neurology indicates the risk of stroke for women who have occasional migraines (less than one per month) increases by 45 percent and risk of heart attack increases by 64 percent. For those who suffer from weekly migraines, the risk of stroke triples due to “profound changes in the brain which diminish blood flow to the brain,” said Dr. Richard Lipton, vice chairman of neurology at Montefiore Headache Center in New York City.
“Someone with migraine should be sure to manage their other risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and body weight,” Lipton said.
Here are some tips to manage your symptoms and limit your risk:
Know the whole picture: When discussing your migraine symptoms and treatment options with your doctor, make sure to ask questions about your heart health as well. Women who have migraines should not smoke, as tobacco use vastly increases risk for heart attack and stroke. Oral or other hormonal contraceptives carry increased cardiovascular risk as well. Discuss the risks with your doctor.
Medications prescribed to treat or prevent migraines may increase your risk of heart attack and stroke as well. If you have a strong family history, are overweight, have high blood pressure or other risk factors, share this information with your doctor and ask how this will affect your treatment.
Know your triggers: Avoiding migraines is the best way to limit risk, however this can be difficult. Keep a “trigger journal” to help identify what brings on your migraine. List all your activities and what you eat and drink each day. When you have a migraine look back to see what may have triggered it. Over time, patterns will develop which should help you determine what type of lifestyle changes will be effective. Common triggers include artificial sweeteners, changes in sleep and eating patterns, hormonal changes, and chemicals found in processed meats.
Know the symptoms: The key to surviving and recovering from a stroke or heart attack is quick action. Know when it is time to call 911. The Stroke Collaborative just released a new tool to help determine when someone needs emergency care called Give Me 5! Asking if someone can walk, talk, reach, see, and feel is a lifesaving strategy. For more information about stroke and heart emergencies check out this article on taking charge in the ER.
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Eliz Greene is the Busy Woman’s Guide to a Health. Drawing on her experience surviving a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggling to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.
As the Director of the Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative, Eliz travels the country energizing and inspiring audiences in keynotes and workshops on women’s heart health. She writes one of the top 100 health and wellness blogs. Find more at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com
3 Responses to “Migranies and Strokes”
Stress is very hard thing to avoid especially if you don’t have a way to change the way you live. Most people are stress either about family or job situations. These factors alone with a poor diet can be deadly. The best way is to control what you can to the best of your ability.
a couple of years ago, i read a study about how music can relieve the some symptoms of migrane and the amino acid DL-Phenylalanine seems to help relieve the pain too.
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