Migraine Headaches and Heart Attacks

April 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment

New research presented by the American Academy of Neurology this week suggests that women who present with migraine headaches have a much higher risk of cardiovascular complications than women who don’t suffer from migraines. The study involved 27,798 women (3 out of 4 migraine sufferers are women) who were followed for 12 years. The study suggests that women who experience frequent migraines are three times more likely to experience a stroke, and one-and-a-half times more likely to experience a heart attack. In fact, women who experience migraines just one time per month still have an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.

Researchers believe that the main cause of migraine headaches is the dilation and irritation of the arteries (vasculature) in the brain. The vasculature is regulated and controlled by the nervous system, specifically the nerves that exit the spine in the upper neck. Addressing pressure on these nerves from the spine (subluxations) can alleviate the occurrences of migraines. As someone who previously suffered from weekly migraines, chiropractic care has significantly reduced the number of migraines I experience. Considering the increase in fatal health conditions that migraines are now associated with, it is paramount for you or your loved ones who suffer from migraines to get checked by a chiropractor.

Posted by Dr. Gary Nolan | Filed Under Migraine Headaches

Quick Reference

1. Exercise Regularly—This does not mean anything overly strenuous. Something as simple as a daily walk can make a huge impact on your health.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet—Proper nutrients allow the body to repair itself easier. Eat organic, unrefined foods and drink at least eight glasses of pure water every day. Avoid drugs, whether recreational or prescribed, including alcohol and caffeine.

3. Maintain Good Posture—Are you sitting up straight as you read this?

4. Sleep on Your Back or Side, Never Your Stomach—Avoid sleeping on your stomach, it twists your neck; avoid the fetal position, it reverses your spinal curves.

5. Invest in a Good Chair, Pillow and Mattress—When you think about the amount of time you use these things each day, it’s worth it.

6. Stretch Your Spine Before and After Sports—This will also help to loosen up the surrounding muscles.

7. Stretch Your Legs and Back After Each Hour of Sitting—whether in a car or at a desk, stretching regularly will help to keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further.

8. Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder.

9. Do Not Overload Your Backpack, Purse or Wallet. Remember to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load (if possible). Keep your wallet out of your back pocket when sitting, especially when driving.

10. Remember To Visit Us Regularly—Especially if you are ill, under a lot of stress, pregnant or in an accident or trauma. Remember, it is much easier to prevent a problem than to correct one.