Medical treatment of carotid artery disease

Abstract

There are 2 important aspects in the medical treatment of carotid artery disease. One is antiatherosclerotic and the other is antithrombotic therapy. Evidence from recent trials show that stroke risk is reduced by statins or ACE inhibitors. Aspirin is effective for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. However, there is no definitive evidence that supports the use of anticoagulants in the treatment of noncardiogenic ischemic stroke.