Migraine frequency, intensity linked to cholesterol levels

(HealthDay)—Migraine frequency and intensity seem to be positively associated with total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, according to a study published in the September issue of Pain Practice.

Claudio Tana, M.D., from the "G. D'Annunzio" University in Chieti, Italy, and colleagues examined the lipid asset in 52 patients with migraine (17 with and 36 without aura) before and after prophylactic treatment for three months.

The researchers found that significantly higher cholesterol levels, both TC and LDL cholesterol, were seen in association with high frequency and intensity versus low frequency and intensity of crises. In treated patients, the number and intensity of crises declined significantly in association with a significant reduction in TC and LDL cholesterol. There was evidence of a direct linear correlation between the frequency and intensity of crises and lipid levels. No significant differences were seen for subgroups of patients with and without aura.

"This study shows a significant positive association between migraine frequency and intensity with total and LDL cholesterol, demonstrating for the first time a significant reduction of these lipid parameters after migraine prophylaxis," the authors write. "These results should be considered as preliminary, to be confirmed by future prospective controlled trials."

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