Simple Science @Heart: Black stroke survivors face greater risk from high blood pressure

Blog.heart.org: 8/16/12

Blacks who survive strokes caused by bleeding in the brain are more likely than whites to have high blood pressure a year later, a new study says.

Continued high blood pressure increases their risk of another stroke.

The study examined racial and ethnic differences in these strokes, called intracranial hemorrhage or ICH. They make up only 10 percent of all strokes but have a death rate of about 40 percent in the first month, much higher than other types of stroke. High blood pressure is the most important modifiable risk factor associated with ICH.

Taking medication, making changes to your diet and exercising can help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Read more