Common Migraine Drug Shows Promise in Reducing Stroke Risk for Women

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Preliminary research presented at the upcoming American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference reveals that propranolol, a widely-used beta blocker medication, may reduce the risk of ischemic stroke by up to 52% in women who experience migraines. The findings are particularly significant for women with migraine without aura, though the protective effects were not observed in men.
The study, analyzing over 3 million electronic health records, comes at a crucial time when migraine is increasingly recognized as an underappreciated cardiovascular risk factor. Women are disproportionately affected by migraines, experiencing them three times more frequently than men, making this discovery particularly relevant for women's health.
Lead study author Mulubrhan Mogos, Ph.D., from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, emphasizes the significance for women from historically under-resourced communities, who face a higher burden of migraine impact. The findings suggest that propranolol, an established and potentially more accessible treatment option, could serve dual purposes in preventing both migraines and strokes.
The research showed that women taking propranolol had 39-52% lower risk of developing ischemic strokes across two separate database analyses. This protective effect remained consistent even after adjusting for various factors including demographics, existing health conditions, and hormonal influences.
While these findings are preliminary and require further confirmation through prospective studies, they represent a potentially significant advancement in stroke prevention for female migraine sufferers. The research also highlights the importance of gender-specific medical research, as demonstrated by the medication's varying effectiveness between men and women.

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