Inhibitory control of angiotensin-converting enzyme by ramipril in migraine

Background: Renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) are involved in the physiology of migraine. Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. We tested whether ramipril has an effect on migraine. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective open-labeled trial in a single center. All patients were asked to maintain a headache diary. Ramipril was administered at 5mg/day (2.5mg twice a day) and subjects were checked every 4 weeks up to 12 weeks. Results: The mean number of headache days was 19.9 +/- 11.2 days per month at baseline, and 12.0 +/- 11.5 at 12 weeks (p<0.001 vs. baseline) with a responder rate of 41.9%. Stratified analysis by migraine frequency (15 days a month >= vs. <15 days a month) did not show a difference. Mean blood pressure was not altered. Conclusions: Ramipril prevented migraine attacks independently from blood pressure. This result supports a link between renin-angiotensin system and migraine pathophysiology (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01402479).