Short Takes - 2005-02-23

Migraine sufferers are more likely to have risk factors for heart disease than those who don't get the headaches, according to a NIH study. Researchers compared 620 migraine patients with 5,135 control subjects and found that those who experienced migraine with aura were more likely to have unfavorable cholesterol profiles, elevated blood pressure and a history of early onset heart disease or stroke. Migraine patients were also more likely to be smokers, but less likely to be alcohol drinkers. The study is reported in the journal Neurology.