The Particulars: Clinical trials have revealed little about the role of migraine with aura in the development of major cardiovascular events or the occurrence of blood clots in women.

Data Breakdown: Among participants involved in the Women’s Health Study, migraine with aura was found to be the second strongest single contributor to risk of heart attack and stroke. In a different study, researchers found that women who had migraines with aura were more likely to experience blood clot complications with all types of contraceptives, particularly newer contraceptives, when compared with women who had migraine without aura.

Take Home Pearls: Migraine with aura appears to be a significant contributor to increased risks of heart attack and stroke in women. Women who had migraines with aura taking newer contraceptives appeared to be at increased risk for blood clots when compared with women migraineurs without aura and women taking older contraceptives.