| ▲ Migraine headaches increase the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and premature birth, according to a new study. (Photo = DB) |
[메디컬투데이=이승재 기자] The presence of migraine increases the risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and premature birth, according to a new study.
The results of a study which analyzed the correlation between migraine and high blood pressure during pregnancy, diabetes, pre-eclampsia, premature birth weight and low birth weight were published in the journal Neurology.
Surprisingly, the most common disease in women between the ages of 18 and 44 is migraine. Women are more susceptible to migraine headaches than men, with a 2 to 3 times higher chance of experiencing a migraine in their lifetime. Migraine headaches are often accompanied by an aura. Aura symptoms are typical visual symptoms such as blurred vision or bright lights.
According to a recent study, the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction more than doubled in patients with migraine with aura.
The researchers looked at 19,694 women to see if migraines occurring before pregnancy were associated with the risk of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and low birth weight. They also investigated how these associations varied with the presence or absence of mood swings and the use of the headache medication aspirin.
The study found that the presence of migraine was associated with a 17% higher risk of premature birth, a 28% higher risk of gestational hypertension, and a 40% higher risk of preeclampsia. However, there was no association between gestational diabetes and the risk of low birth weight. The risk of preterm birth and gestational hypertension were not related to the presence or absence of prodromal symptoms. However, the risk of pre-eclampsia was higher in migraine patients with aura.
Also, those who took aspirin twice or more a week had a 45% lower risk of preterm birth.
The researchers concluded that migraine sufferers are at high risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and premature birth during pregnancy, and that the risk is doubled in the presence of prodromal symptoms and could be reduced by taking aspirin.
Correspondent Lee Seung-jae of Medical Today (ecctomas@mdtoday.co.kr)
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
