The rationale for using HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ('statins') in peripheral arterial disease.
Atherosclerosis is a systemic process, and the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors ('statins') are potent lipid lowering drugs, which have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary atherosclerosis.


OBJECTIVE
To present the up-to-date data concerning statin use in the prevention and treatment of extra-coronary atherosclerosis.


METHODS
Clinical trials with statins in patients with extra-coronary atherosclerosis were searched for via PUBMED.


CONCLUSIONS
The different forms of peripheral arterial disease (e.g. cerberovascular disease, lower extremity peripheral arterial disease) are associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and hence constitute a coronary artery disease equivalent in terms of published practice guidelines. There is some evidence from small randomized controlled trials that statin therapy decreases cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with peripheral arterial disease. The mechanism of action of statins may derive from their lipid lowering properties, or from other, pleiotropic effects. Further, larger randomized controlled studies with statins are needed to evaluate the efficacy of statin therapy in patients with stable peripheral arterial disease and in those undergoing vascular or endovascular surgery.
Erez
G
G
Center for Research, Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, Department of Medicine B, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
Leitersdorf
E
E
D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors