Compared to African American veterans without post-traumatic stress disorder, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder were more likely to return to the hospital. This was not seen in white veterans, according to a new study published in the journal Stroke.

Research highlights:

• A study of data on more than 90,000 veterans hospitalized with stroke found that African American veterans with a previous diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely than African American veterans without PTSD. They were significantly more likely to be readmitted than veterans.
• In contrast, white veterans with PTSD were not significantly more likely to be readmitted after a stroke than white veterans without PTSD.
• Illicit drug use and type 2 diabetes also increased the risk of readmission for African American veterans, but not for white veterans.
• This result highlights the need to focus on high-risk groups and control modifiable risk factors to reduce the need for readmission after stroke.

Embargoed until Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 4:00 a.m. Central Time/5:00 a.m. Eastern Time

DALLAS, March 14, 2024 — African American veterans previously diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significantly more likely to be readmitted after a stroke than those without PTSD It was expensive. PTSD did not increase the risk of readmission after stroke among white veterans, according to study results published today. strokea peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.

“Our findings have implications for stroke prevention, including focusing on high-risk populations, reducing modifiable risk factors, achieving tighter type 2 diabetes control, and providing access to veterans who need prescription drug treatment.” “It highlights the important things we can do to improve aftercare.” Chen Lin, MD, MBA, senior author of this study, staff neurologist at the Birmingham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and associate professor of neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops in some people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic, frightening, or dangerous event, causing intense anxiety, flashes, and back, or other symptoms.

Previous research has shown that people with PTSD are at higher risk for heart disease and stroke, and that they develop strokes at a younger age than the general population. Additionally, other studies have shown an increased risk of readmission after stroke in Black adults, but this study analyzed how PTSD impacts post-stroke outcomes, particularly the need for readmission. This is the first study to

“For those with PTSD, African American veterans generally have worse outcomes than white veterans. We observed veterans with PTSD after they had a stroke. Lord Our objective was to determine whether patients with PTSD and stroke have different risks of stroke recurrence and readmission, and to see if race influences readmission rates,” Lin said. Ta.

Researchers used Veterans Health Administration databases to analyze African American and white veterans who had suffered a stroke and compared readmission rates for those diagnosed with PTSD and those without. Some of the findings include:

• African American veterans with PTSD had a 10% higher risk of readmission, which was considered significant compared to veterans without PTSD.
• White veterans with PTSD had a 5% higher risk of readmission than veterans without PTSD, but this was not statistically significant.
• Type 2 diabetes or illicit drug use was significantly associated with an increased risk of readmission after stroke in African American veterans, while the same risk factors were significantly associated with increased risk of readmission in white veterans. There was no relationship.
• Congestive heart failure or high cholesterol were significantly associated with a higher risk of readmission after stroke among white veterans, whereas these same risk factors were significantly associated with higher risk of readmission after stroke among African American veterans. There was no relationship.
• High blood pressure, previous heart attack, and narrowing of noncardiac arteries were risk factors that increased the risk of readmission after stroke in both African American and white veterans.

“We expected PTSD to affect all veterans, so we were surprised to see differences between African American and white veterans in both the impact of PTSD and other risk factors. ,” Lin said.

“Both African Americans and Caucasians have important health conditions that can impact their risk of readmission after stroke. Post-discharge care after stroke is always a challenge, especially for people with disabilities. If your ability to walk or drive is limited by your symptoms, it can be difficult to get to the clinic. There is definitely a role,” Lin said.

Research details:

• Researchers studied 93,651 veterans (mean age 68.8 years, 97% male, 22.4% male, 22.4% analyzed historical national data on African Americans (62.9% white adults). August 2022.
• Of these, 18% were readmitted to a VA hospital during an average follow-up of 5 years.
• Almost 14% of stroke patients were diagnosed with PTSD.
• To better understand readmission data, researchers looked at a number of factors including congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, narrowing of the arteries outside the heart, type 2 diabetes, illicit drug or alcohol abuse, and previous heart attacks. We examined the risk factors. or a history of smoking.

This study is limited because it examined a Department of Veterans Affairs administrative database, and its findings may not be generalizable to civilians who may suffer from PTSD for a variety of reasons. This result may not be generalizable to women, Asian American, or Native American veterans. In this study, female veterans made up a small portion of the veterans dataset with stroke.

Co-authors, disclosure information, and funding sources are listed in the manuscript.

The study, published in the scientific journal of the American Heart Association, is peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely the opinions of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the Society. The Association makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or reliability. The association is primarily funded by individuals. Foundations and corporations (including pharmaceuticals, device manufacturers, and other companies) also make contributions, which help fund specific programs and events for the association. The Society has strict policies in place to ensure that these relationships do not influence scientific content. Revenues from pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, device manufacturers, health insurance companies, and overall financial information for the association can be found here.

Additional resources:

###

About the American Stroke Association

The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. In 2024, our 100th anniversary, we celebrate our rich 100 years of history and achievements. As we move into her second century of bold discoveries and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere.connect with us at heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For media inquiries and AHA/ASA expert opinions, please see below. 214-706-1173

Karen Astle: 214-706-1392 or Karen.Astle@heart.org

General inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org