Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibition in Carotid Atherosclerosis
Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibition in Carotid Atherosclerosis
To evaluate the causal relationship between Rho/Rho kinase overactivity and mechanisms of
 vascular dysfunction in patients with atherosclerosis.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Subjects with >= 70% carotid stenosis (unilateral or bilateral) who are scheduled to
 undergo elective carotid endarterectomy

 -  Age >= 18 years

 -  Agreement of the operating surgeon for patient to participate

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Surgery scheduled < 14 days after randomization

 -  Pregnancy

 -  ALT, GGT > 3x upper limit of normal (ULN)

 -  Creatinine > 3.5 mg/dL

 -  Prior intolerance to statins

 -  Reluctance to add or change dosage of statin therapy during study