Connection between menopause, migraines, and risk of heart attack and stroke
In a revealing study, the connection between menopause and migraines in women has been highlighted as a potential heart health concern. The loss of female hormones during menopause and the onset or worsening of migraines during this period may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
During menopause, a steep decline in estrogen and progesterone levels leads to physiological changes that raise the risk of heart problems. Estrogen, for instance, promotes vasodilation, prevents coronary spasms, and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It also improves lipid profiles, enhances insulin sensitivity, and reduces abdominal fat.
However, with menopause, the loss of these hormonal benefits results in increased vascular stiffness, higher blood pressure, visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduced HDL cholesterol. These changes increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events, often surpassing the risk in men of the same age group, especially if menopause occurs earlier.
Migraines during menopause are often triggered by fluctuating and declining estrogen levels in perimenopause and menopause. These hormonal shifts affect brain pathways that regulate pain and sensitivity, potentially indicating or contributing to elevated cardiovascular risk.
Research suggests that hormonal changes triggering migraines and other menopause symptoms such as hot flashes can elevate the risk of heart attack and stroke. Migraines, particularly with aura, have been associated with higher cardiovascular risk, making them a marker of increased heart risk during menopause.
In light of these findings, it's crucial for women undergoing menopause to monitor their heart health, manage risk factors, and address symptoms like migraines. The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 can help control the risk factors for heart disease and stroke later in life.
Sources:
[1] EurekAlert! [2] American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 [3] [4] [5] Various research studies on menopause, migraines, and cardiovascular risk
- The study emphasizes the potential connection between menopause and migraines as a heart health concern due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The steep decline in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause leads to physiological changes that boost the risk of heart problems.
- With menopause, the loss of hormonal benefits results in increased vascular stiffness, higher blood pressure, and elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which increase the risk for coronary artery disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.
- Migraines during menopause, triggered by fluctuating and declining estrogen levels, can be a marker of increased heart risk due to their association with higher cardiovascular risk.
- To manage heart health risks during menopause, it's essential for women to monitor symptoms, control risk factors, and follow guidelines like the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8.
