Statin therapy at the time of carotid angioplasty and stenting reduces procedure-related neurological complications

Background and Purpose: Treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methyglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) reduces the incidence of myocardial injury during and after percutaneous coronary interventions. We hypothesized that statin therapy could also have a beneficial effect among patients undergoing carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS). Methods: We reviewed our prospective database to compare the incidence of any transient ischemic attack (TIA), minor stroke, major stroke, or death within 30 days after CAS for symptomatic carotid disease between patients with and without statin pre-treatment. Result…