Although selective PTGS2 (COX-2) inhibitors (COXIBs) and non-selective NSAIDs are still among the most promising chemo-preventive agents for this disease, long-term use of high doses of COXIBs and non-selective NSAIDs (except for aspirin) is currently not recommended because of the unacceptable cardiovascular side effects in certain patients, especially in those individuals with a history of atherosclerotic heart disease [16]. The gene discussed is PTGS2; the disease is carotid atherosclerosis.