Final answer:
Children with sickle cell anemia are indeed at higher risk for ischemic strokes due to the abnormal shape of their red blood cells leading to blood flow obstruction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that children with sickle cell anemia are at risk for ischemic strokes is true. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S.
This leads to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells, which can obstruct blood flow in capillaries and arteries, thus reducing oxygen perfusion into the blood and increasing the risk of ischemic strokes.
Ischemic strokes occur when blood flow to parts of the brain is blocked due to blood clots or other obstructions, causing tissue damage and potentially leading to severe health complications.