All patients with a carotid stenosis >50% according to the NASCET-criteria are included. The study does not affect the health care the patients receive. The time between symptom and surgery is compared to the outcome of the CEA after 45 days, 6 months, 1 year and 5 years. An intervention in the form of new practical local and regional guidelines in January 2009 (#17 of the 29 study months) aimed at reducing the delay and increasing the patient safety.