Hospitalizations for Stroke Down Nationwide, But Not for Young or African Americans

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Lucas Ramirez, M.D
Resident Physician | LAC-USC Medical Center
USC Keck School of Medicine | Class of 2013 

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Ramirez: Prior studies have shown differences in stroke rates in certain geographical regions among age and racial groups. Few studies have analyzed these differences on a national level.  Our study found that nationally, stroke hospitalization have decreased, though among blacks and young age groups, they have increased.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Dr. Ramirez: The good news, is that overall, the hospitalization of strokes are down on a national level.  We cannot say with certainty why, though we suspect that preventive efforts (blood pressure and diabetes control) play a role.  Unfortunately, not all age groups and racial demographics have seen this decrease.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Ramirez: Further research is needed to determine why these differences among age and racial demographist exist in order to guide interventions

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Trends in Acute Ischemic Stroke Hospitalizations in the United States

Lucas Ramirez, May A. Kim‐Tenser, Nerses Sanossian, Steven Cen, Ge Wen,Shuhan He, William J. Mack, and Amytis Towfighi

J Am Heart Assoc. 2016;5:e003233, originally published May 11, 2016,doi:10.1161/JAHA.116.003233

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on May 12, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD