Final answer:
Women over 50 with migraines are at increased risk for stroke due to shared vascular risk factors (2). Maintaining low blood pressure and a healthy lifestyle can help manage this risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
Women older than 50 with histories of migraines are at an increased risk for several types of diseases, with stroke being particularly noteworthy. Migraines are linked to the dilation of blood vessels in the head, and this vascular issue may share common risk factors with stroke, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. Moreover, cardiovascular diseases, which largely encompass heart-related issues and stroke, are significant health concerns for individuals over 60, but these can manifest earlier depending on one's lifestyle and genetics.
It is important to note while men are more likely to have strokes, women with a history of migraines could also see an elevated risk for stroke. The best way to reduce the risk of stroke is maintaining a low blood pressure and following a healthy lifestyle to manage other risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and avoiding smoking.