Scientists believe women suffering from migraines with aura are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke.

A recent study published in Neurology reports a genetic link between the risk of heart disease, migraine with aura, and a genetic variant carried by 11 percent of the test group.

Findings show that women who had migraines with aura and a gene known as methyleneterahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) are 3-4 times more prone to vascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

The study showed that having the gene variant in the absence of any history of migraine attacks is not linked to a higher risk of heart-related events.

Harvard Medical School researchers concluded that physicians should be aware of the abovementioned risk and recommend young women suffering from the condition not to smoke or take contraceptives to reduce vascular disease risk factors.

PKH/HGH