Current pain and headache reports
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Cluster headache is a rare but debilitating recurrent headache disorder. It is most common in middle-aged and older men, a group with a high prevalence of cardiovascular disease. This article reviews available information regarding the association of cluster headache and the heart in three selected areas: 1) the known effects of cluster headache on cardiovascular parameters such as heart rate and rhythm and blood pressure; 2) the prevalence of cardiac risk factors in subjects with cluster headache; and 3) the connection between patent foramen ovale and cluster headache. ⋯ There also is evidence that disturbances of autonomic function or certain structural cardiac anomalies may be more common in cluster headache sufferers. In addition, a number of important treatment options for cluster headache have effects on cardiovascular function that must be considered in planning therapy. The implications of these findings for clinical practice are discussed.