We read with great interest the article by
Scher et al [1] concerning cardiovascular risk factors and
migraine. We would like to compare between the results of
Scher et al [1] and our re-analysis of migraine subtypes in
previous migraine study applied a protocol of brain check-
up. [2]
Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 357
migraineurs (50 with MA and 307 with MO) and 356 non-
migraineurs. Frequency of obesity, current smoke,
hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia
did not differ significantly among the four groups. Compared to GEM population of Scher et al [1], a percentage
of low socioeconomic status (SES) and oral contraceptive
use was lower in our subjects (table). A parental history
of migraine showed a predisposion to MA. MA and MO were not
associated with a parental history of early coronary heart
disease or stroke. Clinical hallmark of our migraineurs
revealed a higher ratio of MO sufferers who had mild degree
of headache severity. MA sufferers included 28 subjects (56%) younger than age 39 years. [2]
We would like to know Scher et al's results regarding
severity and frequency of migraine attacks, and also
comparative data of the risk profile between MA sufferers
and non-migraineurs at age 39 years or younger. Scher et al [1] do indicate statistical date adjusted for sex,
age, SES and all cardiovascular risk factors. Brain MRI
studies also differ between a subset of the GEM sample [3]
and our migraineurs. [2]
Those contrary results of
cardiovascular risk factors and brain lesions strongly
suggest an importance of migraine studies in various
populations with regard to education level, race and
country.
We read with great interest the article by Scher et al [1] concerning cardiovascular risk factors and migraine. We would like to compare between the results of Scher et al [1] and our re-analysis of migraine subtypes in previous migraine study applied a protocol of brain check- up. [2]
Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 357 migraineurs (50 with MA and 307 with MO) and 356 non- migraineurs. Frequency of obesity, current smoke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia did not differ significantly among the four groups. Compared to GEM population of Scher et al [1], a percentage of low socioeconomic status (SES) and oral contraceptive use was lower in our subjects (table). A parental history of migraine showed a predisposion to MA. MA and MO were not associated with a parental history of early coronary heart disease or stroke. Clinical hallmark of our migraineurs revealed a higher ratio of MO sufferers who had mild degree of headache severity. MA sufferers included 28 subjects (56%) younger than age 39 years. [2]
We would like to know Scher et al's results regarding severity and frequency of migraine attacks, and also comparative data of the risk profile between MA sufferers and non-migraineurs at age 39 years or younger. Scher et al [1] do indicate statistical date adjusted for sex, age, SES and all cardiovascular risk factors. Brain MRI studies also differ between a subset of the GEM sample [3] and our migraineurs. [2]
Those contrary results of cardiovascular risk factors and brain lesions strongly suggest an importance of migraine studies in various populations with regard to education level, race and country.
Table
References
1. Scher AI, Terwindt GM, Picavet HSJ, Verschuren WMM, Ferrari MD, Launer LJ. Cardiovascular risk factors and migraine: the GEM population-based study. Neurology 2005; 64: 614-620.
2. Ikeda K, Kashihara H, Hosozawa K, et al. Brain check-up- based study of migraine in Japan. Headache Care 2005; 2: 75-80.
3. Kruit MC, van Buchem MA, Hofman PA, et al. Migraine as a risk factor for subclinical brain lesions. JAMA 2004; 291: 427-434.