Cluster headache is a rare and severe form of headache that is more common in men. A drug, Verapamil, a type of calcium-channel blocker is increasingly used to treat cluster headaches and a range of symptoms including high blood pressure, angina and irregular heart beat.
A new study of 108 patients who had regular electrocardiograms (EKGs) found when high doses of Verapamil were used to prevent cluster headache, 1 in 5 patients developed some form of cardiac irregularity that could progress to serious heart problems.
More than 40% of the participants did not have access to the EKG service or unaware of the need for monitoring their heart. The researchers said that the drug is relatively new for treating cluster headache, therefore healthcare providers may be unaware of the problems. They highlighted the need for frequent EKG monitoring of patients treated with Verapamil for cluster headache.
The study "Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with cluster headache on verapamil therapy." is published in the current issue of Neurology 2007 69: 668-675.
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