Triptan Use in Patients with Migraine and Cardiovascular Disease or Elevated CV Risk

Triptan use was associated significantly with elevated risk for major adverse CV events, but absolute risk difference was small.

Because triptans — the mainstays of migraine therapy — are vasoactive, the U.S. FDA considers them to be contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease or elevated CV risk. Nevertheless, triptans occasionally are prescribed for such patients. In this study, investigators used Mayo Clinic electronic health records encompassing 22 years to assess the safety of triptans in adults with CV disease or elevated CV risk and ≥1-year history of migraine.

Overall, 3500 patients (median age, 55) who received triptans were matched (by age, race, sex, migraine type, aura, CV disease, and specific vascular risk factors) with 3500 patients who received drugs other than triptans. Within 60 days of starting treatment, 52 patients who received tr…

Reviewing Author

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Paul S. Mueller, MD, MPH, FACP

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Triptan Use in Patients with Migraine and Cardiovascular Disease or Elevated CV Risk

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Reviewing Author