AHA

ISC 2025: Propranolol shows promise in reducing ischemic stroke risk in women with migraines

February 4, 2025

Propranolol may offer an additional benefit of reducing ischemic stroke risk in women with migraines, according to results from a preliminary study to be presented at the upcoming American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.

Study details: A large-scale analysis of over 3 million medical records evaluated the impact of propranolol on stroke risk in women with migraines. Researchers identified women with migraines who developed stroke and those who didn't (control group).

Results: Propranolol was associated with a significant reduction in ischemic stroke risk among women with migraines. Specifically, the risk of developing a stroke was 52% lower for women taking propranolol in one database analysis and 39% lower in another. No stroke risk reduction was observed in men in either analysis group. The protective effect was more pronounced for ischemic stroke and in women with migraine without aura.

Source:

American Heart Association. (2025, January 30). Propranolol may reduce ischemic stroke risk in women with migraines [News release]. American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference 2025 – Poster Abstract TMP22. Retrieved from https://newsroom.heart.org/news/propranolol-may-reduce-ischemic-stroke-risk-in-women-with-migraines.