Abstract
Migraine is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, including hypertension. Anti-calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are effective preventive treatments, but concerns have been raised about their potential hypertensive effects. Herein, we assess the early changes in blood pressure (BP) during anti-CGRP mAbs treatment in patients with migraine using 24-h Holter monitoring.
We conducted a prospective, real-world study including 20 patients with episodic migraine (EM) during the early treatment with anti-CGRP mAbs. Participants underwent 24-h Holter BP monitoring before treatment and 4 weeks after the first injection. The primary outcome was the change in mean systolic BP (SBP). Secondary outcomes included changes in diastolic BP (DBP), differential BP, diurnal/nocturnal values, heart rate (HR), and dipping patterns.
Mean 24-h SBP and DBP showed non-significant differences after treatment (-2.4 mmHg and -1.8 mmHg, p = 0.075). No significant changes were observed in diurnal BP, but a significant reduction in nocturnal DBP was detected (-2.6 mmHg, p = 0.026). Consistently, the proportion of patients with a physiological dipping profile increased from 45.0% to 85.0% post-treatment (p = 0.008). HR remained unchanged, and no patients had mean PAD ≥ 130/80. No adverse events were reported.
Anti-CGRP mAbs did not induce clinically relevant BP increases in the early treatment phase and were associated with improved nocturnal DBP and a favorable shift in dipping profile in patients with EM. These findings suggest the short-term cardiovascular safety of anti-CGRP mAbs, though further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up are warranted.