Migraine sufferers rejoice.
A commonly used medication to prevent migraines, propranolol, may also offer protection against strokes, particularly for women, according to new research to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s meeting.
The study found that women taking propranolol to prevent migraines had a 52% lower risk of ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots. However, the drug did not show the same protective effect in men.
Lead researcher Mulubrhan Mogos, an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, noted that migraines are often an overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Until recently, effective treatments for migraine sufferers were limited.
About 20% of the population experiences migraines, with women being three times more likely than men to suffer from them. Migraines are also associated with a higher stroke risk, particularly ischemic strokes.
Propranolol, a beta blocker, is frequently prescribed to prevent migraines and manage high blood pressure. For their study, researchers analyzed over 3 million electronic health records from two large databases to identify migraine sufferers who had strokes and were also using propranolol.
The analysis found that, in one database, the risk of stroke was reduced by 52% for women using propranolol, and by 39% in another. The protective effect was particularly strong for women who suffer from migraines without aura, a condition that doesn’t involve visual disturbances like flashing lights or blind spots.
Dr. Tracy Madsen, chair of the American Heart Association’s Clinical Cardiology/Stroke Women’s Health Science Committee, said that the findings align with previous evidence showing that blood pressure medications, like propranolol, can reduce stroke risk. She emphasized that this discovery could be especially beneficial for women with frequent migraines, as it suggests that propranolol may help prevent both migraines and strokes.
Mogos also pointed out that, since propranolol is a generic medication, it could offer an affordable treatment option for low-income patients. He encouraged women and healthcare providers to discuss the benefits of preventive migraine treatments, particularly for those who may face barriers to access. This could be an important step toward reducing health disparities related to stroke and migraine treatment.
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