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Migraine sufferers may be more likely to develop high blood pressure, researchers say

By Mallika Marshall, MD

January 12, 2023 / 5:34 PM EST / CBS Boston

BOSTON - A new study suggests migraine sufferers should be monitored closely for high blood pressure.

Researchers in China studied more than 5,700 patients and found those with migraines or severe headaches were 25 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure.

The risk was higher for women than men.

While scientists say this correlation needs to be studied further and confirmed, patients who suffer from migraines or other severe headaches should have their chronic headaches managed and controlled in an attempt to prevent high blood pressure down the road.

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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