Black veterans are more likely to be re-hospitalized after suffering from a stroke, according to a new report by the American Heart Association.
The study, which was published last Thursday in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, was based on the information of over 93,000 veterans.
The researchers focused specifically on the veterans who were at one point admitted at a VA medical center in the U.S. from 1999 to 2022. Approximately 14% of these patients were also diagnosed with PTSD.
In their analysis, the researchers studied additional factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, the condition of the arteries, smoking history and drug history.
In their findings, they reported that Black veterans who also had PTSD had a 10% greater risk of once again becoming hospitalized after a stroke compared to white veterans with PTSD. Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, a previous history of heart attacks and narrower arteries were all listed as contributors to these increased chances of re-hospitalization.
#STROKE Population Science: Race disparities in the association between #PTSD and increased risk of hospital readmission in veterans after stroke. #AHAJournals https://t.co/ueI4FpGiPc pic.twitter.com/DYnsZS9AND
— Stroke AHA/ASA (@StrokeAHA_ASA) March 14, 2024
“In those with PTSD, there are worse outcomes in general among African American veterans than white veterans,” said Dr. Chen Lin, the study’s lead author, per a press release. “Post-discharge care after a stroke is always a challenge — people find it hard to get to the clinic, especially if they have disabilities limiting their walking and driving ability. However, there is certainly a role for more targeted care focused on the modifiable risk factors, such as Type 2 diabetes and illicit drug use.”
The study’s findings that Black veterans with PTSD are more likely to re-enter hospitals come amidst reports that disparities in health benefits for veterans exist.
According to a new report compiled by Veterans Affairs, only approximately 84% of Black veterans were given physical and health benefits; comparatively, 90% of white veterans received the same benefits they applied for.
When it came to help with PTSD, they weren’t given the help they needed 57% of the time.
In its latest Agency Equity Action Plan, the VA once again pledged to work to provide benefits to every veteran who needs them.
“It’s our job to provide every Veteran with the world-class care and benefits they deserve, no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love, where they are from, or how they identify,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “That means investigating any disparities in VA health care and benefits and eliminating them – and that’s exactly what this new study and plan will help us do. We will not rest until any and all disparities at VA are a thing of the past.”
