VEGF-A is expressed in virtually all vascularized tissues [7] and it is essential for the maintenance of vascular well-being; neutralizing circulating VEGF-A leads to endothelial dysfunction and high blood pressure in animals [9] and to serious thromboembolic complications like myocardial infarction, stroke or deep vein thrombosis in humans [11,12]. Here, VEGFA is linked to stroke disorder.