Stroke prevention: cardiac and carotid-related stroke

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Updated: Oct 17, 2026

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

T H Wein1, N M Bornstein

  • 1Cerebrovascular Fellow, Department of Neurology, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA. twein@umich.edu

Neurologic Clinics
|April 11, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This article reviews cardiac causes of stroke, including atrial fibrillation and heart valve issues, and discusses managing carotid artery stenosis. It covers medical treatments and surgical options like carotid endarterectomy for stroke prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of stroke.
  • Cerebral ischemia can result from both cardiac emboli and carotid artery disease.
  • Accurate risk stratification and timely intervention are crucial for stroke prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review cardiac sources of stroke.
  • To outline the management strategies for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
  • To discuss indications for medical and surgical interventions in stroke prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of cardiac conditions associated with cardioembolic stroke.
  • Analysis of current guidelines for managing carotid artery stenosis.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding medical management and revascularization procedures.

Main Results:

  • Identified numerous cardiac conditions (e.g., atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, left ventricular thrombus) as significant stroke risks.
  • Detailed optimal medical management for these cardiac conditions.
  • Outlined indications for carotid endarterectomy, angioplasty, and stenting based on stenosis severity and patient factors.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of cardiac sources of stroke is essential.
  • Carotid revascularization decisions should be individualized based on stenosis and risk factors.
  • Integrated management of cardiac and cerebrovascular disease improves stroke outcomes.

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