Postacute discharge to inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) is linked to a significantly lower 1-year incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) survivors, compared with discharge to home or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
The protective association of IRF discharge against MACE is more pronounced in patients younger than 65 years, suggesting age-related differences in benefits of rehabilitation intensity or access.
Multistate, large-scale cohort evidence supports the postacute care setting as a modifiable system-level target for secondary prevention strategies following AIS.
Risk factors for post-stroke MACE include functional status on admission, smoking, atrial fibrillation, and facility characteristics, highlighting multidimensional intervention opportunities.
