NEW YORK – Women who have both migraines and persistent hot flashes may face a significant risk of heart disease and stroke, a study finds.
The study, published in the journal Menoposition, found that the effects of migraines and hot flashes/night sweats (collectively referred to as vasomotor symptoms) on joints are independent of traditional heart disease risk factors or estrogen use. This is the first time that this has been investigated. Vasomotor symptoms result from changes in blood vessel activity.
Specifically, women with migraines and persistent vasomotor symptoms were 1.5 times more likely to develop heart disease and 1.7 times more likely to have a stroke than women without both symptoms. research shows.
In contrast, women with a history of migraines or persistent hot flashes over a long period of time have a significantly greater risk of heart disease, net of traditional risk factors such as smoking, lipid levels, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar levels. There was no increase in
“This study highlights the importance of considering female-common or female-specific factors, such as a history of migraine and persistent vasomotor symptoms, when assessing cardiovascular risk in women. ” said Dr. Stephanie Fabion, Medical Director of the Menopause Society.
“It is critical to further refine existing cardiovascular disease risk prediction models to more accurately identify women at future risk. Optimization is key,” she added.
The study involved nearly 2,000 women, who began collecting data between the ages of 18 and 30 and continued until they were approximately 61 years old.
This result is notable because migraines and hot flashes are both very common. Although hot flashes are estimated to affect nearly 80% of women transitioning to menopause, the severity, frequency, age of onset, and accompanying symptoms of these symptoms vary widely.
Migraines are particularly common in women of late reproductive age, affecting approximately 17.5% of women. (IANS)
