Severe migraine headaches are not only debilitating, they may lead to heart trouble too.

A new study found women who suffer from migraine headaches with aura, which means they often see bright lights, have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Researchers studied nearly 3,600 women with migraines who were at least 45-years-old. They found those who had migraines with aura at least once a week were more than four times likely to have a stroke, compared to women who don't get the severe headaches. And surprisingly, they found that those who had migraines with aura less then once a week were at an even greater risk. While more research needs to be done, there are some things everyone can do to decrease their risk for heart problems.

"We know that migrainers with auras are at risk for stroke now, but they significantly increase that risk if they smoke cigarettes and if they're taking birth control pills. One can modify the other cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipodemia, obesity, diabetic control, diabetic tendencies," Dr. Mark Stillman with Cleveland Clinic said..

Exercise is another way to help your heart.