What is the Medical Management and Prevention of Carotid Occlusive Disease?
Reducing cholesterol levels, controlling diabetes and hypertension, exercising regularly, and cessation of smoking are cornerstones of treatment. The use of an “antiplatelet” medication, Aspirin (81 mg or 325 mg per day), has been shown to prevent stroke. When do I Need Surgery for Carotid Occlusive Disease? The purpose of carotid surgery is to prevent stroke. The risk of stroke increases with increasing degree of carotid stenosis. Numerous studies established the basis for when surgery is needed for carotid occlusive disease. The two widely accepted studies include the NASCET (North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial), and the ACAS (Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Trial). The NASCET Trial established that patients with symptoms (strokes or TIAs), had a higher stroke prevention rate with carotid surgery if they had greater that 70% carotid stenosis, in comparison to treatment with aspirin alone. Those with other risk high risk factors for a stroke, with a carotid stenosis be
