Alice King1, Martin Shipley, Hugh Markus. 1. Stroke and Dementia Research Center, St. Georges University of London, London, SW17ORE, UK. aking@sgul.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent evidence suggests current best medical treatment may be sufficient to prevent stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. If this is the case, then it is important to determine risk reduction provided by treatments. Using Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study (ACES) prospective data, the effect of current treatment and risk factors on future stroke and transient ischemic attack risk were determined. METHODS: Four-hundred seventy-seven patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis were followed-up every 6 months for 2 years. Changes in risk factors and stroke prevention therapies were reviewed at each visit. Using time-dependent Cox regression, the relationship between current treatment over time was determined and presented as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and cardiovascular death end points. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, antiplatelets (P=0.001) and lower mean blood pressure (P=0.002) were independent predictors of reduced risk of ipsilateral stroke and transient ischemic attack. Antiplatelets (P<0.0001) and antihypertensives (P<0.0001) were independent predictors of a lower risk of any stroke or cardiovascular death. CONCLUSIONS: Antiplatelet therapy and blood pressure control are the most important factors in reducing short-term stroke and cardiovascular risk in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. More prospective data are required for medical treatments in asymptomatic carotid stenosis in particular for current statin usage.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent evidence suggests current best medical treatment may be sufficient to prevent stroke in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. If this is the case, then it is important to determine risk reduction provided by treatments. Using Asymptomatic Carotid Emboli Study (ACES) prospective data, the effect of current treatment and risk factors on future stroke and transient ischemic attack risk were determined. METHODS: Four-hundred seventy-seven patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis were followed-up every 6 months for 2 years. Changes in risk factors and stroke prevention therapies were reviewed at each visit. Using time-dependent Cox regression, the relationship between current treatment over time was determined and presented as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and cardiovascular death end points. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, antiplatelets (P=0.001) and lower mean blood pressure (P=0.002) were independent predictors of reduced risk of ipsilateral stroke and transient ischemic attack. Antiplatelets (P<0.0001) and antihypertensives (P<0.0001) were independent predictors of a lower risk of any stroke or cardiovascular death. CONCLUSIONS: Antiplatelet therapy and blood pressure control are the most important factors in reducing short-term stroke and cardiovascular risk in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. More prospective data are required for medical treatments in asymptomatic carotid stenosis in particular for current statin usage.
Authors: In Sung Cho; Ye Rin Chae; Ji Hyeon Kim; Hae Rin Yoo; Suk Yong Jang; Gyu Ri Kim; Chung Mo Nam Journal: BMC Med Res Methodol Date: 2017-08-22 Impact factor: 4.615
Authors: William Haley; Fayaz Shawl; W Charles Sternbergh; Tanya N Turan; Kevin Barrett; Jenifer Voeks; Thomas Brott; James F Meschia Journal: J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis Date: 2021-06-18 Impact factor: 2.677