CARDIOVASCULAR: Aggressive Statin Therapy: Better than Endarterectomy for Patients with Carotid Stenosis?

Audio Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine Aggressive Statin Therapy: Better than Endarterectomy for Patients with Carotid Stenosis? REFERENCE: Abstract No. 17 HENRIK SILLESEN, University of Copenhagen Patients with carotid artery stenosis run much lower risks of further events if treated aggressively with a statin, according to a study reported at the International Stroke Conference in San Francisco by Henrik Sillesen. Of 1,000 patients in the Stroke Prevention By Aggressive Reduction of Choleseterol Levels (SPARCL) study with documented carotid stenosis, those who received high-dose atorvastatin had a reduced need for endarterectomy in the follow up period. The aggressive statin treatment was as effective as endarterectomy at preventing future strokes. Helen Morant talked to Henrik Sillesen about the promise of this medical approach to treating such high-risk patients.