title: Statin prescription is essential in peripheral vascular disease.
abstract: Hypercholesterolemia is an important and easily modifiable risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), but is frequently not adequately addressed by vascular interventionists. Patients with PAD often have extensive atherosclerotic disease elsewhere and have a 1-year mortality rate as high as 20%, mainly from cardiovascular events. This case discussion briefly addresses the evidence for treating hypercholesterolemia in this subgroup of patients. Statins not only lower cholesterol, but also are antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, and antithrombogenic, and improve endothelial function. Current guidelines are reviewed and an approach to initiation of statins and their management is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Lyndon, West Bromwich, West Midlands B71 4HJ, UK. joe.leyon@swbh.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Joe J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Leyon
authors.forename: Saraswathy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jaiveer
authors.forename: Derek L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Connolly
authors.forename: Suresh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Babu
mesh_terms: D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000295:instrumentation; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011859:Radiography; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008055:Lipids