Stroke prevention: cardiac and carotid-related stroke.

The aim of this article is to discuss cardiac sources of stroke as well as the management of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis. The authors detail the risks of cardioembolic stroke in the following conditions: aortic arch atheroma, atrial fibrillation, atrial myxoma, atrial septal aneurysm, dilated cardiomyopathy, infective endocarditis, left ventricular thrombus, mitral annular calcification, mitral valve prolapse, patent foramen ovale, prosthetic heart valves, valvular strands, and the optimal medical management for these conditions. The indications for carotid endarterectomy, angioplasty, and stenting are also outlined.