Though not all migraine and headache sufferers are alike, one thing many have in common is that they occasionally use triptans for pain relief. But if you suffer from headache disorders and also happen to have a heart condition, or if heart disease runs in your family, taking triptans could be dangerous to your health.
Triptans, such as Amerge, Frova and Treximet, are the most common type of migraine medication—yet a side effect of all triptans is the temporary narrowing of the blood vessels, which reduces the amount of oxygen delivered to the heart. Some clinical studies have shown that people with heart conditions who take triptans can develop:
· A temporary lack of oxygen to the heart
· A heart attack
· A change in heart rhythm
· Stoppage of the heart
If you’re a headache sufferer and have a heart condition, it’s important to let your doctor know about it. In a study of 121,286 people who suffer from headache, 22 percent of participants with a heart condition were given triptans anyway, putting them at greater risk. Learn more about the study on WebMD.com.
Have doctors ever asked you about your heart history when prescribing triptans?
