According to a study published in the journal Journal of Neuroscience, people with "half headache with halo" face a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Halos are warning signs of vision or sensation that appear before headaches begin. Conversely, people with migraines without halo symptoms are generally not at increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
According to Cleveland Clinic, halo is a warning stage for sensory disorders such as:
Visual aura: seeing flashing lights, spots or curved shapes in sight.
Movement aura sensation: tingling, numbness or weakness in limbs.
Difficult to read aura: causes difficulty in communication, mumbling or stuttering.
Dr. Sanjay Bhat (Senior Consultant - Interventional Cardiology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, India) explained that this connection stems from the way blood vessels work. Changes in blood flow and blood vessel activity when a migraine occurs can also have similar effects on the heart and brain.
In addition, inflammation in the body in people with frequent migraines is also a factor that increases long-term cardiovascular risk.
Dr. VP Sharma (Director and Senior Cardiovascular Consultant at Fortis Jalandhar Hospital, Punjab, India) emphasized that migraines do not directly cause heart disease. Instead, they act as a risk sign. This suggests that the patient's blood system needs to be paid more attention to. For people with recurrent migraines, monitoring blood pressure, managing stress and periodic cardiovascular health check-ups are very important.
To minimize risks for both the heart and brain, experts recommend:
Regarding migraines, you should use medication as prescribed, CGRP inhibitors, supplement nutrition and regulate nerves.
Regarding cardiovascular health, absolutely do not smoke, control your weight, monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly.
A 2022 study in the Journal of Border Neuroscience showed that physical activity, a healthy diet, and good sleep can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. Good management of triggers and maintaining a scientific lifestyle are key to comprehensive health protection.
