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Posted on Apr 20, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
Women who suffer from migraines on a weekly basis have a significantly higher chance of having a stroke than those who have less frequent or no migraines, research suggests.
Women who suffer from migraines on a weekly basis have a significantly higher chance of having a stroke than those who have less frequent or no migraines, research suggests.
A recent study of women's health over the age of 45 found that women who experienced migraines at least once a week were three times more likely to have a stroke.
However, women aged 45 and older who suffered from migraines less than once a month were one and half times more likely to fall victim to heart attack.
Commenting on the results, the study's author Dr Tobias Kurth, with Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, said: "Our findings suggest that migraine frequency may be an indicator for increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke.
"Future studies are needed to address whether migraine prevention reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease."
Figures show that approximately one in ten Americans experience migraines.
