In Britain around six million people have migraines. Migraine with aura is suffered by one in four of them. This type lasts up to 72 hours and visual disturbances, nausea and dizziness is caused by it. More women than men are affected by this condition.

Earlier studies have stated that heart diseases and strokes are developed by people who suffer from migraines, with or without aura.

About 18,725 people were looked at by Icelandic researchers and these people were asked about whether they suffered from migraines and followed them for up to 40 years.

It was noted that the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases was 27 per cent more in people who had migraine with aura and this also led to their death from both heart disease and strokes.

The risk of mortality was increased in those who were suffering from normal migraine as compared to those who did not suffer from them, but by a lesser degree.

Dr Klaus Berger from the University of Muenster in Germany argued, "For many people the information will cause an unwarranted amount of anxiety, although others may use the opportunity to modify their lifestyle and risk factors accordingly."