A study of 27,800 women found that migraines accompanied by visual disturbances (like blind spots or flashes of light) was the number two risk factor for heart disease – second only to high blood pressure.

This type of migraine may be a sign of impaired vascular function that could predispose sufferers to blood clots. If you experience these headaches, have your doctor monitor you for other heart disease red flags.

Decoding the findings
“When the researchers looked at heart disease risk factors, they found it was as important a risk factor as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure,” says Cleveland Clinic cardiologist David Frid, MD.

Though it doesn’t mean every woman with migraines will have heart disease, it does mean those women should pay closer attention to their heart health. Frid says it’s important to identify as many risk factors as possible when assessing risk for heart disease, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
To read more on migraines

Migraine Triggers
Migraines are believed to be caused by the release of a chemical called serotonin into the bloodstream, resulting in changes in the brain. Exactly what causes this to happen is still a subject for research and debate. However, certain factors that can trigger attacks in susceptible people have been identified. These include:

Emotional stress, such as anger, tension or shock

Physical stress, such as overexertion or travelling

Diet, such as infrequent meals, alcohol (especially red wine) or additives

Environmental causes, such as supermarket lights, computer screens, smoking or loud noise

Hormonal causes, such as puberty, menstruation or pregnancy

High blood pressure, eye strain or the use of sleeping tablets

Resources:
Migraine Triggers
To read about 10 surprising migraine and headache triggers
Why Migraines Strike