Relationship between coronary function testing and migraine: results from the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation-Coronary Vascular Dysfunction project

AIM: To determine the relationship between coronary vascular dysfunction and history of migraines in women with suspected ischemia and no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA). METHODS: In the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation-Coronary Vascular Dysfunction study, 402 women with suspected INOCA answered baseline angina questionnaires, including the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). Coronary function testing (CFT) performed in a subgroup of 252 women evaluated for nonendothelial and endothelial-dependent coronary vascular function. Wilcoxon rank sum test, t-test, and linear regression models were performed. RESULTS: Of the 252 women who underwent CFT, 126 (50%) women reported migraine history. Compared to women who reported no migraines, women with migraines were younger and more were premenopausal. They had more angina at rest, with strong emotions, and hot/cold temperatures, as well as angina that wakes them from sleep (P < 0.05 for all). Women with migraines also scored worse on SAQ angina frequency and quality of life P < 0.01 for both). There was no difference in prevalence of coronary vascular dysfunction in the two groups. In addition, linear regression models demonstrated no significant age-adjusted differences in absolute CFT variables. CONCLUSION: Among women with suspected INOCA, migraine history is prevalent and women with migraines have worse angina compared to those without migraines. Coronary vascular dysfunction diagnosed by CFT does not appear to relate to migraine history.