Patients with migraine who developed a migraine-like attack in response to nitroglycerin demonstrated stronger systemic cardiovascular (CV) responses compared to non-headache controls, a new study found. In 16 women with migraine without aura and 10 age- and gender-matched controls, intravenous nitroglycerin was administered. Researchers found:
- Nitroglycerin provoked a migraine-like attack in 81.2% of migraineurs but not in controls.
- Migraineurs who later developed a migraine-like attack showed different responses in all parameters vs controls.
- The decreases in cardiac output and stroke volume were more rapid and longer lasting, heart rate increased, mean arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance were higher and decreased after an initial increase.
van Oosterhout WPJ, et al. Abnormal cardiovascular response to nitroglycerin in migraine. [Published online ahead of print October 9, 2019]. Cephalalgia. doi: 10.1177/0333102419881657.