HHS HealthBeat (May 11, 2007)

Who goes home

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

After a stroke, some people might be able to go right home, and others will need more care. And a study finds that people who are obese are less likely to go home.

Researchers at UCLA Medical Center looked at the height-weight ratios called BMIs in people with ischemic stroke, where blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced. Their study, which was supported by the National Institutes of Health, was in Archives of Neurology.

Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele:

``Patients with higher categories of BMI were more likely to be discharged to an acute rehabilitation center, a skilled nursing facility or, unfortunately, not to leave the hospital at all.’’  (12 seconds)

Obese people are at higher risk of an ischemic stroke. Dr. Ovbiagele considers the study another reason for people who are at risk to control their weight.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

Last revised: May, 11 2007