Statins: an essential component in the management of carotid artery disease

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to define the role of treatment using statins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) in the management of patients with carotid artery disease.

Literature search methods: We searched PubMed for studies evaluating the effect of statins on carotid IMT and the occurrence of cerebrovascular events.

Literature search results: Current evidence indicates that routine statin therapy reduces carotid intima-media thickness progression and stroke risk. Additionally, statin treatment significantly reduces perioperative as well as long-term morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing carotid surgery or endovascular interventions. It would also be expected that statins would reduce coronary events in this high-risk population.

Conclusions: Statins should be considered as an essential component of the therapeutic approach of patients with carotid artery stenosis.