Migraine and hypertension (high blood pressure) are two health problems that can have a big impact on your life. Some researchers believe these conditions may be connected, but more studies are needed to understand how they’re linked.

“I hope they do more research into the link between migraine and high blood pressure because this not only affects me, it also affects two of my four children,” one MyMigraineTeam member said. “My daughter was found to have high blood pressure at the age of 14 and developed migraine at 20. It’s frustrating not to have any answers.”

Many people living with migraine want better answers and more support. Learning how these two conditions might be related is a good place to start. Your doctor can help you make sense of your symptoms and find the right steps to take.

Do Migraine Attacks Cause High Blood Pressure?

Researchers haven’t found a clear answer yet, but there may be a connection. Studies suggest that people who have migraine are at increased risk of high blood pressure over time. One 2019 study, published in the journal Cephalalgia, followed more than 29,000 women for 12 years. The researchers found higher rates of hypertension in those who had migraine compared to those who didn’t. The risk of hypertension was:

• 9 percent higher for participants who had migraine with aura (visual or sensory symptoms before the headache)
• 21 percent higher for those who had migraine without aura
• 15 percent higher for anyone with a history of migraine

Hypertension rates also rose based on how often migraine attacks happened. Participants who had at least one weekly migraine attack were 30 percent more likely to develop high blood pressure than those who had fewer than six attacks per year.

Other research has shown that people with migraine may have a 1.4-fold higher risk of developing hypertension within five years. Although these studies show a strong association, they don’t prove that migraine directly causes high blood pressure.

Some members of MyMigraineTeam have noticed blood pressure spikes when having a migraine attack. “I had a migraine attack with my blood pressure going over 200,” one member wrote.

How Could Migraine Cause High Blood Pressure?

Researchers have a few ideas about why people with migraine may be more likely to have high blood pressure. One theory involves a possible genetic link — some people may inherit certain genes that change how the blood vessels or the muscles around them work. These changes might raise the chances of developing both migraine and high blood pressure.

Aside from family history, researchers have suggested other possible explanations, including:

• Stiffened arteries — Migraine attacks may make the arteries less flexible over time, raising blood pressure.
• Pain-related spikes — Severe or frequent migraine pain may cause short-term increases in blood pressure during an attack.
• The renin-angiotensin system — This hormone system helps regulate blood pressure by narrowing or relaxing blood vessels. Some researchers believe it may play a role in both migraine and hypertension, but more studies are needed.

It’s also possible that certain medicines could be involved, so it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about your migraine treatment or blood pressure medication. Sometimes, a treatment for one condition can affect the other. This can be true of both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

For example, certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can raise blood pressure. If you regularly take NSAIDs for headache pain, they could be adding to the problem. Your doctor can help you find safer options that work for you.

Does High Blood Pressure Cause Migraine Attacks?

“I recently found that my blood pressure was triggering my migraine attacks. Does anyone else have that happen?” asked a MyMigraineTeam member.

Migraine has many triggers, which vary from person to person. Some of the most common include:

• High stress levels
• Lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes
• Alcohol or caffeine
• Weather shifts
• Dehydration
• Bright or flickering light
• Strong smells
• Overuse of medication

Interestingly, many migraine triggers — including stress, poor sleep, certain foods and drinks, and hormonal changes — can also raise blood pressure. If you notice that the same factors seem to cause both migraine attacks and high blood pressure, avoiding or preparing for these triggers may help.

Some members of MyMigraineTeam have discussed having blood pressure spikes during migraine attacks. “Today has been rough. Between the irregular weather and my blood pressure issues, I have a doozy of a migraine headache,” one member wrote.

If you think high blood pressure may be linked to your migraine attacks, talk with your doctor. They can review and adjust your treatment options or suggest lifestyle changes that work for you.

Are High Blood Pressure Headaches Dangerous?

High blood pressure can be especially harmful because it’s a “silent” condition — it doesn’t always cause symptoms. The only way to know if your blood pressure is too high is to check it with a blood pressure cuff. An elevated blood pressure reading of at least 180/120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) is considered a hypertensive crisis. This medical emergency raises your risk of serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke.

If you have high blood pressure and suddenly get a severe headache, seek medical help right away — especially if you also have symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing or speaking
• Numbness or weakness
• Blurred or double vision

Quick treatment can make a big difference in preventing long-term damage, so don’t wait to call the doctor.

How Are Migraine and High Blood Pressure Managed?

High blood pressure is very common, whether or not you have a history of migraine. In the United States, about half of adults have hypertension. The risks of high blood pressure and heart disease increase with age. Even if you don’t have signs of cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel disease) now, you could develop heart problems later.

If you live with migraine, staying proactive about your heart health is especially important. You can take preventive steps such as:

• Getting regular physical activity
• Finding support to manage stress
• Following a low-sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Cutting back on alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Prioritizing sleep or addressing sleep problems

Fortunately, some medications can treat both migraine and high blood pressure. For example, beta-blockers are sometimes prescribed to manage both conditions, and they’re also used after heart attacks.

Being mindful of how migraine and blood pressure may affect each other can help you feel more in control of your health. By noticing patterns and discussing them with your healthcare provider at follow-up visits, you can stay ahead of changes and spot any warning signs early.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyMigraineTeam, the social network for people with migraine and their loved ones, more than 85,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with chronic migraine.

Have you noticed a spike in blood pressure with migraine attacks or migraine medication? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

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