African-Americans have a higher risk of death from stroke than
do Caucasians. For example, high blood pressure tends to occur
earlier in African-Americans and be more severe. Sickle Cell
Anemia affecting African-Americans is a risk factor for stroke
because "sickled" red blood cells are less able to carry oxygen
to the body's organs. They also tend to stick to blood vessel
walls, which can block arteries to the brain.
