Atherogenic index of plasma and severe headaches or migraines risk in US adults: a population-based cross-sectional analysis from NHANES 1999–2004 - Report - MDSpire

Atherogenic index of plasma and severe headaches or migraines risk in US adults: a population-based cross-sectional analysis from NHANES 1999–2004

  • By

  • Shaoxiong Chen

  • Yi He

  • Jiaheng Xu

  • May 26, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Association Between Plasma Atherogenic Index and Risk of Severe Headaches or Migraines

Overview

This study investigates the association between the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the risk of severe headaches or migraines in US adults using NHANES data. Elevated AIP levels were linked to a higher risk of severe headaches or migraines, particularly among younger individuals and women.

Background

Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and is a leading cause of disability among young adults. Understanding the metabolic factors contributing to migraine susceptibility, such as lipid profiles indicated by the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the relationship between AIP and severe headaches or migraines.

Data Highlights

QuartileOdds Ratio (OR)95% Confidence Interval (CI)
Q1Reference-
Q21.4811.105–1.984
Q41.7991.228–2.637

Key Findings

  • Severe headache or migraine patients were predominantly younger (<45 years: 57.6%) and female (57.6%).
  • Higher risks of severe headaches or migraines were observed in the second (Q2: 26.5%) and fourth quartiles (Q4: 27.2%) of AIP.
  • After full adjustment, Q2 and Q4 showed significantly elevated risks for severe headaches or migraines compared to Q1.
  • Subgroup analyses indicated higher risks among individuals aged <45 years, females, and those without diabetes or coronary heart disease.
  • AIP was identified as a highly influential feature associated with severe headaches or migraines in XGBoost modeling.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the atherogenic index of plasma as a potential biomarker for assessing the risk of severe headaches or migraines, particularly in younger and female patients. This association underscores the importance of monitoring lipid profiles in patients presenting with severe headache symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a significant association between elevated AIP and the risk of severe headaches or migraines, warranting further prospective studies to explore this relationship and its underlying mechanisms.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers | Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Severe Headaches or Migraines Risk in US Adults: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Analysis from NHANES 1999-2004
  2. IHS, ACP Differ on Migraine Tx — Guideline recommendations from the International Headache Society (IHS) and the American College of Physicians (ACP)
  3. The association between red blood cell distribution width to albumin ratio and migraine: evidence from clinical and population-based cohorts
  4. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery — Inflammatory Biomarker Variations Among Different Weight Categories in a Representative US Cohort: Exploring the Connection Between Obesity and Inflammation
  5. Frontiers in Endocrinology — BMI-specific nonlinear associations and threshold effects of the atherogenic index of plasma on incident prediabetes: insights from 100473 Chinese adults
  6. AHS Consensus Statement CGRP-Targeting Therapies for Prevention of Migraine Guideline Summary 2024 - Guideline Central
  7. Association of sleep and dyslipidemia with migraine incidence in a cohort of 309,475 participants | Scientific Reports
  8. Frontiers | Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Severe Headaches or Migraines Risk in US Adults: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Analysis from NHANES 1999-2004

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