Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Surgical Risks in Carotid Stenosis

03/04/2010

Question:

What are the risk numbers for a stroke with a 50% and 69% carotid blockage, if one follows a protocol of aspirin, statins (medication) and diet versus a vascular surgical intervention in a 60 year old woman? Her father had many TIA incidents. Incidentally, her echo stress test was normal.

Answer:

If she is asymptomatic, then the risk of stroke is lower with medical than with surgical (or endovascular) intervention, and would NOT be recommended. She should be followed every 6 mos. with a carotid duplex.

For more information:

Go to the Vascular Surgery health topic.