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Migraine and vascular risk factors in the elderly

Gilad R, Boaz M, Dabby R, Finkelstein V, Rapoport A, Lampl Y

Geriatrics & gerontology international, 2014

163 participants

Abstract

AIM: The association between migraine and cerebrovascular disease is well documented in younger migraine patients, especially those with aura. Prevalence estimates of vascular risk factors among elderly migraine sufferers are lacking. The present study was designed to estimate the prevalence of vascular risk factors in the elderly population with late onset of migraine without aura.

METHODS: The medical records of 163 patients aged 50 years and older suffering from migraine without aura were assessed for vascular risk factors, including hypertension, elevated serum lipid levels, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Prevalence was estimated and compared with age- and sex-matched vascular risk factor estimates for the general population extracted from the 2003-2004 Israeli National Health Interview Survey, and to a group of patients matched by age suffering from migraine with aura.

RESULTS: Among women with migraine without aura, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus were significantly less prevalent than among women without migraine without aura. Prevalence estimates for vascular risk factors did not differ by migraine among males. The group of older patients suffering from migraine with aura showed a higher incidence of vascular risk factors in respect to the group of migraine patients without aura.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study might have an important clinical relevance, suggesting another pathophysiological process in respect to…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 163 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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