Migraine Sufferers Prone To Heart Attack, Says Neurologist

A neurologist, Prof. Sunday Bwala, says migraine sufferers are twice likely to have heart attacks as people without the disorder.

Bwala told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that migraines were as a result of chemical imbalance in the neurons of the brain.

NAN reports that migraine is a common type of headache that may occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In many people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head.

Bwala explained that women with occasional migraines have a higher risk of heart disease, while those with more frequent headaches are primarily at increased risk of a stroke.

“Heart disease is caused by an inflammation in the heart, an immune process that causes blood vessels and other tissues to set off emergency alarms throughout the body and migraine attacks trigger the inflammatory process,” he said.

He said that the disorder is most common between the ages of 25 and 55 and women are affected three times more than men.

“It occurs more in women, it is genetic and has a gender predisposition.”

He said that although there were trigger factors such as intake of chocolates, sweet tasting food and pepper, it could also be caused by abnormalities in sleep patterns such as too much sleep or inadequate sleep.

“Migraines are also caused by emotional stress and pregnancy and for many people, treatment to relieve stress can also help.

Bwala said that certain medicines could help to prevent attacks or relieve symptoms of attacks.

He said that there were no specific cures, but people should prevent attacks by avoiding trigger factors.

“It is important to change lifestyle habits, like changing your sleep patterns or dietary habits,” he added.