Stroke: Ischemic stroke occurs when arteries that feed nutrients and oxygen to the brain and clogged preventing blood flow. Clots may travel to the brain from the heart or other blood vessels or may form at an atherosclerotic plaque in a vessel. High blood pressure may contribute to abnormalities in small blood vessels leading to strokes. It is important to recognize the warning signs of stroke (sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, drooping mouth, vision abnormalities, difficulty walking etc.) because special clot-busting medications can be delivered to treat stroke if given within a narrow time window. Clot busters can either be given through the veins or directly into the arteries via an angiogram at special facilities. Large strokes may require surgery.