Merck Carotid Atherosclerosis Trial (MK-0000-111)(COMPLETED)

A Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of High Dose Statin and Niacin Therapy on Excised Plaque Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA)

This study will examine the effect of statin and niacin therapy on carotid plaque biomarkers

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is diagnosed with carotid stenosis AND is scheduled to undergo carotid endarterectomy
• Female patients of reproductive potential must abstain from sex or use an acceptable method of birth control through out the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient must undergo CEA less than 4 weeks after entering study
• Patient has recent history of acute coronary syndrome
• Patient has has coronary artery bypass graft surgery within 30 days of study start
• Patient has thyroid disease that has not been treated for more than 6 weeks
• Patient has donated blood within 8 weeks of study start
• Patient has poorly controlled diabetes mellitis
• Patient has human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or Hepatitis B or C
• Patient is taking warfarin or other anticoagulants
• Patient is taking hormone replacement therapy