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

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.