We are searching data for your request:
Upon completion, a link will appear to access the found materials.
Novel migraine medication may be dangerous with high blood pressure
Headache, nausea, visual disturbances: millions of people suffer from migraines. Many sufferers can manage their symptoms relatively well with natural home remedies. However, a large number of patients need medication. A research group is now reporting that new migraine medications for high blood pressure could be dangerous.
Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases. The range of therapies for affected patients has expanded significantly in recent years. Recently, US researchers reported a drug that relieves pain within two hours. But some new drugs can be dangerous for some pain sufferers.
Novel migraine prophylaxis could be dangerous
As the University of Zurich (UZH) explains in a communication, new medications for migraines block the neuropeptide αCGRP, which leads to vasodilation on the meninges, for example.
But the same peptide that is formed in the muscles during physical activity protects the heart - which is vital for people with chronic high blood pressure. The novel migraine prophylaxis should therefore be dangerous for them, as researchers from the University of Zurich showed in mice.
Their results were published in the "Circulation Research" journal.
Positive effect on the heart
According to the information, the neuropeptide αCGRP (α Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide) works in two different ways. Directly at the point of release of the nerve cells - for example on the meninges - it leads to inflammation and dilates the blood vessels, which can cause migraine attacks. It has a completely different effect on the heart, as a UZH research team has now found out.
Based on studies with mice, the scientists were able to show that αCGRP is also released from the working skeletal muscles. It goes from the muscle to the heart via blood, where it inhibits the disease-causing changes in the heart caused by chronic hypertension.
"It's the same with humans as with the mouse: physical activity and exercise increase the blood plasma level of αCGRP, which has a positive effect on the heart if the blood pressure is increased," explains study leader Johannes Vogel, professor at the Institute of Veterinary Physiology at UZH.
Positive effects depend on the peptide
In their work, the research team compared normal mice to those with chronic high blood pressure, who were either physically passive or repeatedly walked voluntarily.
It was shown that normal concentrations of αCGRP in the blood plasma are essential for survival and that the positive effects of physical activity on the heart depend on the peptide. In addition, αCGRP protects the heart regardless of its hypotensive properties in higher doses.
"In the future, substances that activate the release of αCGRP could be used in patients with high blood pressure who can only be physically active to a very limited extent, or for whom antihypertensive drugs do not work or work too little," says Johannes Vogel.
Life-threatening cardiac dysfunction
The scientific work came to a further conclusion: In mice with chronic high blood pressure, long-term administration of αCGRP blockers led to life-threatening disorders of the heart function.
Such drugs that specifically block the neuropeptide have recently been used for migraine prophylaxis. Because the neuropeptide αCGRP is very similar from zebrafish to humans, it has to be a central biological mechanism that works in a comparable way in many organisms.
According to the cardiovascular specialist Vogel, the results are therefore also relevant for humans: “αCGRP blockers should only be used to prevent migraine if the patient's blood pressure is checked regularly. Chronic hypertension should be included in the list of contraindications to long-term use of αCGRP blockers. "
It doesn't always have to be medication
Many patients can also manage their symptoms well with home remedies for migraines.
Among other things, experts recommend retreating to a quiet, darkened room in the event of pain attacks in order to shield yourself from external stimuli.
Gentle massages with peppermint oil on the temples and forehead can also help. A cooling cloth on the forehead can also provide relief.
Relaxation exercises such as autogenic training, yoga or tai chi are also recommended. Many sufferers also report a positive effect of methods such as acupressure or acupuncture.
Basically, you should pay attention to a regular daily routine, enough sleep, sufficient exercise and a balanced diet. (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of the medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical doctors.
Swell:
- University of Zurich (UZH): Novel migraine medication potentially dangerous for high blood pressure, (accessed: November 26, 2019), University of Zurich (UZH)
- Circulation Research: Blood Pressure Normalization-Independent Cardioprotective Effects of Endogenous, Physical Activity-Induced Alpha Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (αCGRP) in Chronically Hypertensive Mice, (accessed: November 26, 2019), Circulation Research
