Connection between menopause, migraines, and risk of heart attack and stroke
In a groundbreaking exploration of health connections, new research sheds light on the interplay between menopause, migraines, and cardiovascular risks in women.
Menopause and Cardiovascular Risks
Menopause, marked by the cessation of menstrual periods, brings about significant hormonal changes that can increase cardiovascular risk. The decline in estrogen levels, which normally help reduce bad cholesterol, increase good cholesterol, and maintain the flexibility of arteries, allows atherosclerosis risk to rise. This, in turn, increases the chances of coronary artery and cerebrovascular disease.
Migraines and Cardiovascular Risks
Migraines, a common neurological disorder, are also associated with increased risks for stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular events. Women experiencing migraines, particularly in their early adulthood, may have an increased risk.
The Synergistic Effect
The connection between menopause, migraines, and cardiovascular risks becomes more pronounced when both conditions coexist. Research indicates that women with both migraines and vasomotor symptoms during menopause, such as hot flashes, have about double the risk of heart disease and triple the risk of stroke compared to those without these symptoms.
Vasomotor Symptoms and Migraines
Vasomotor symptoms, including persistent hot flashes and night sweats, are known to involve changes in the diameter of blood vessels, similar to what occurs during a migraine. These symptoms, often overlooked, are associated with increased risks for cardiovascular disease.
Prevention and Management
While only 10% of stroke survivors recover almost completely, and most doctors can only offer treatment after a stroke occurs, prevention is key. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and addressing underlying conditions can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 checklist provides a comprehensive guide to maintaining heart health.
Some supplements have been shown to help manage migraines, and addressing risk factors for persistent hot flashes and night sweats, such as migraines, depression, smoking cigarettes, and being black, can also help.
In conclusion, the interplay of declining estrogen in menopause, the presence of migraine history, and vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes synergistically elevate cardiovascular disease and stroke risks in women during midlife and beyond. Understanding and addressing these connections can lead to improved heart health for women at this critical stage of life.
- The health risks associated with menopause can worsen due to the presence of migraines, especially in women with vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes, as they can increase the chances of heart disease and stroke.
- By implementing a healthy lifestyle and addressing underlying medical-conditions such as migraines, one can help manage persistent hot flashes and night sweats, thus reducing the risks for cardiovascular disease.
- The American Health Association's Life's Essential 8 checklist serves as a valuable resource for maintaining cardiovascular-health, promoting health-and-wellness, and managing various health issues, including women's health concerns like menopause and migraines.
- Some supplements have been proven to help alleviate migraine symptoms, while addressing risk factors such as depression, smoking, and certain racial factors can aid in managing persistent hot flashes and night sweats during women's health-and-wellness phases like menopause.
- A synergistic relationship exists between declining estrogen levels during menopause, the presence of migraines, and vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes that can elevate cardiovascular disease and stroke risks in women, particularly as they age.
