Avert Strokes through Drug Therapy

An influential group of doctors say there is growing evidence that certain drugs could be of benefit greater than or equal to surgery or stents in preventing stroke---with much reduced risk.

These drugs include statins--commonly associated with treating high cholesterol--as well as blood-pressure medications and anticlotting drugs such as aspirin.  "I've commonly had people come in for a second opinion after surgery or a stent was recommended," says Frank J. Veith, a vascular surgeon at New York University Medical Center.  "After I explain the risks from procedures and the possible benefits, almost all of them opt for statins."