Experimental Basis for Secondary Prophylaxis in Atherosclerosis of Brain-Supplying Arteries

Abstract

Bypass operations in patients with stenosis or occlusion of arteries supplying the brain are confronted by the problem of having to avoid recurrences or occlusions of other arteries. The therapist attempts to eliminate evident risk factors as far as possible, for example by recommending a suitable diet to avoid or reduce hyperlipidemia. Whether secondary prophylaxis of atherogenesis by additional treatment with drugs is justifiable depends on the availability of suitable drugs. There are substances which decrease blood lipids or serum cholesterol in certain forms of hyperlipidemia, e.g., cholestyramine is a typical representative of a group of drugs which decrease serum cholesterol. Various drugs which contain derivatives of clofibrate can decrease the level of low density lipoproteins in blood and, in combination with anticoagulants or inhibitors of platelet aggregation, the formation of thrombi at the surface of a vessel wall denuded of its endothelium.