The death rate from stroke in African Americans is almost double that of Caucasians. Ischemic strokes can occur when a blood clot forms in a blood vessel in the brain or neck. Blood clots can also travel from other parts of the body, such as the heart, to the neck or brain and cause a stroke. Finally, a blood vessel that is extremely narrowed can cause an ischemic stroke. The second category of stroke, hemorrhagic, accounts for approximately one out of five strokes and is caused by a blood vessel breaking and leaking blood in or around the brain.
Hemorrhagic stroke is associated with a higher death rate than ischemic stroke.
Hemorrhage can occur from a weak or thinned out area on the artery wall that balloons out over time, and then ruptures. Arteries that have plaque can become brittle and thin and can also break. Once a stroke has occurred, medications to minimize brain damage must be administered within the first three hours. This is why, if you suspect a stroke, you should go to a hospital emergency room immediately. Recovery from a stroke can vary a great deal from person to person.