Correction: Hole-in-the-Heart & Migraine

The idea that a hole in the heart between the two atria (right and left upper chambers) can cause migraine was well-accepted during the last five years or so. However, Florida researchers have conducted a large study suggesting that this notion may be false. They’ve published their findings in the journal Circulation.

In a large, multi-ethnic study 1,100 stroke-free subjects reported on their history of migraine, and were then screened for a patent foramen ovale using echocardiography. Their average age was 69; 58% were women; 48% were Caribbean Hispanic, 24% white, and 26% black.

Migraine was reported in 16% of the total subjects. A patent foramen ovale was found in 15% of the total. But the occurrence of a hole in the heart was almost identical in those with and those without migraine (14.6% vs. 15%). This finding was unchanged after correcting for possible interfering factors – diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, etc.

It looks as if the association between migraine and a hole in the heart is non-existent. But, as the researchers point out, they studied an older population. It’s possible the results wouldn’t be the same in a younger group of persons, although this is unlikely.