Mayo Clin Proc

Are triptans safe in migraine patients with CV disease or high CV risk?

November 25, 2024

Triptans are associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), but the overall occurrence of these events remains low among migraine patients who have CVD or elevated CV risk.

Researchers analyzed data from a multistate U.S. health system (January 2000 to August 2022) involving adults with migraines and confirmed CV or cerebrovascular disease, or at least two CV risk factors. The study compared the impact of triptans vs. nontriptan treatments on MACE and their components within 60 days of treatment initiation, utilizing a target trial design and propensity score matching for analysis.

In the study, 3,518 patients in the triptan group had 52 cases of MACE (1.48%), compared with 13 cases (0.37%) in the nontriptan group (relative risk [RR], 4.00). The triptan group also had 15 cases of nonfatal MI (0.43%) and a significantly higher risk of HF (RR, 4.50) and nonfatal stroke (RR, 8.00). Both groups reported five deaths (0.14%).

Source:

Wang Z, et al. (2024). Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Safety of triptans in patients who have or are at high risk for cardiovascular disease: A target trial emulation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39207344/