Alnaeb Mohamad E, Alobaid Nasser, Seifalian Alexander M, Mikhailidis Dimitri P, Hamilton George
Vascular Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital and University College Medical School, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG, UK.
Ann Vasc Surg. 2006 Sep;20(5):696-705. doi: 10.1007/s10016-006-9104-1. Epub 2006 Jul 14.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a manifestation of widespread atherosclerosis. Lipid modification (especially with statins) is a component of the treatment of patients with PAD since this condition is considered a coronary heart disease equivalent. This review considers the mechanism of action of statins in PAD. Statins have been shown to reduce the incidence of new coronary events in patients with PAD. However, surveys suggest that many such patients remain undertreated. Statins can also increase walking distance in patients with PAD. There is also evidence that statins can improve renal function in these patients. Several other actions of statins are considered in this review. PAD patients have an increased morbidity and mortality, largely due to myocardial infarction and stroke. Recognizing and treating these high-risk patients as early as possible should be a priority.
