A preliminary study analyzing electronic health records indicates that propranolol, a beta blocker medication, may offer substantial protection against ischemic stroke specifically for women with migraines. The research, set for presentation at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025, found women taking propranolol experienced a significantly reduced stroke risk compared to those not on the medication. This finding is particularly relevant as migraine headaches occur three times more frequently in women than in men and are themselves a known risk factor for stroke.
Researchers analyzed over 3 million electronic health records to investigate potential cardiovascular benefits of propranolol. In one database analysis, women taking the medication showed a 52% lower risk of ischemic stroke, while another analysis indicated a 39% lower risk. Lead study author Mulubrhan Mogos, Ph.D., from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, emphasized the significance of these findings, noting the research suggests propranolol might be especially beneficial for women experiencing migraine without aura. The study's analysis controlled for various potential confounding variables including age, race, other medical conditions, and hormonal factors.
Notably, the protective effect against stroke was not observed in men taking propranolol, underscoring the critical importance of sex-specific medical research. Tracy E. Madsen, an expert not involved with the study, noted this research exemplifies the value of studying women and men separately to understand sex differences in stroke risk factors. She suggested these findings could help advance more personalized medical care approaches. The research underscores how existing medications might provide unexpected health benefits beyond their primary uses.
While promising, researchers caution that the study relies on retrospective data analysis of electronic health records, which may introduce potential biases. They recommend future prospective studies to confirm these preliminary results. The findings emphasize the need for continued investigation into migraine treatments and their broader health implications, particularly for women who bear a disproportionate burden of both migraine disorders and associated stroke risk. This research contributes to growing evidence that medical interventions may need to be tailored differently for women and men to achieve optimal health outcomes.
