Neurology

Migraine prevention drugs linked to mild increase in cardiovascular events

January 23, 2026

A retrospective cohort study of more than 900,000 adults with migraine found that calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor use was associated with a modest increase in cardiovascular events compared with non‑initiators. Event rates were 8.77 vs. 6.76 per 1,000 person‑years, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.45). Composite outcome included MI, ischemic stroke, revascularization, peripheral arterial disease, and central retinal artery occlusion; only ischemic stroke reached statistical significance individually (aHR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07–1.49). CGRP inhibitor initiators had greater baseline cardiovascular morbidity than non‑users, which may have contributed to observed risk differences.

Clinical takeaway: CGRP inhibitors may carry a small cardiovascular risk increase; assess baseline vascular risk and monitor closely when prescribing to higher‑risk patients.

Source:

Lusk JB, et al. (2026, February 10). Neurology. Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Inhibitors and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Migraine: A Retrospective, Observational Cohort Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41499728/