Vascular Risk Factors and Their Influence on Migraine Phenotype in Older Adults

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines the impact of vascular risk factors on the phenotypic expression of migraine in the elderly population. Migraine, particularly migraine with aura, has been established as a risk factor for ischemic lesions of the brain, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The association between migraine and specific vascular events, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between migraine and cardiovascular diseases. The challenges in differentiating migraine from vascular insults, especially in the elderly population, highlight the need for improved diagnostic and treatment strategies to address the complexities of managing migraine in this demographic. Patient education and treatment of modifiable risk factors may decrease future vascular events, emphasizing the importance of addressing vascular risk factors in migraine management. The potential impact of prevention and treatment of unfavorable arterial hemodynamics on neurocognitive outcomes underscores the broader implications of addressing vascular risk factors in migraine management. The clinical and public health relevance of understanding the modifiability of vascular risk factors in elderly migraine patients extends to addressing challenges in cancer survivorship, radiological emergency response, and rational person behavior, emphasizing the diverse applications of addressing vascular risk factors in healthcare and public health. Ultimately, the clinical and public health relevance of understanding the impact of vascular risk factors on the phenotypic expression of elderly migraine underscores the need for continued research and clinical vigilance in addressing the complex interplay between migraine and vascular risk factors in the elderly population.