How is carotid artery stenosis treated?

The treatment of carotid artery stenosis mainly includes the following methods: 1. **Medication Therapy**: For patients with mild carotid artery stenosis, medication therapy may be used primarily to control risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Patients may also take antiplatelet drugs (e.g., aspirin) and lipid-lowering medications (e.g., statins) to stabilize plaques, prevent thrombosis, and slow the progression of stenosis. 2. **Carotid Endarterectomy**: For patients with severe carotid artery stenosis, especially those with stenosis exceeding 70% or with significant symptoms, carotid endarterectomy is recommended. This surgical procedure involves removing the thickened arterial intima and plaques to restore patency of the carotid artery, and is an effective treatment for carotid stenosis. 3. **Carotid Artery Stenting**: For some patients with carotid artery stenosis who are not suitable candidates for surgical intervention, carotid artery stenting may be used. This minimally invasive interventional procedure involves placing a stent at the narrowed segment to dilate the blood vessel and restore blood flow. It offers the advantages of reduced trauma and faster recovery.