The Migraine Association with Cardiac Anomalies, Cardiovascular Disease, and Stroke

Migraine is positively associated with cardio- and cerebrovascular disorders and with structural heart anomalies. Migraine is more prevalent among people with right-to-left shunt by means of patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defects, and pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and among those with altered cardiac anatomy, such as mitral valve prolapse, atrial septal aneurysm, and congenital heart disease. Meanwhile, migraine increases the risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Although several hypotheses exist, explanation for these associations is lacking. This article reviews data supporting the association of migraine with right-to-left shunt, structural heart anomalies, cardiovascular disease, and ischemic stroke.