What should a stable patient undergoing carotid endarterectomy begin before surgery?

Administering statins to a stable patient before undergoing carotid endarterectomy is consistent with recommended preoperative management practices aimed at reducing cardiovascular risk. Statins are proven to lower cholesterol levels and have beneficial effects on vascular health, including stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques, which is particularly relevant in patients with carotid artery disease. The initiation of statin therapy prior to surgery can help enhance patient outcomes by decreasing the risk of perioperative cardiovascular events, which may include myocardial infarction or stroke, that can occur during or after the procedure.

Additionally, statins have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve endothelial function, both of which play a role in optimizing the patient’s condition for the surgical intervention. The use of statins is supported by clinical guidelines that advocate for their use in patients with known cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for vascular events. Thus, starting statin therapy prior to carotid endarterectomy is a sound and beneficial practice for enhancing the safety and efficacy of the surgery.