Dyslipidemia Part 2: Review of Dyslipidemia Treatment in Patients With Noncoronary Vascular Disease

Dyslipidemia is one of the major modifiable risk factors associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Appropriate modification of lipid profiles reduces the progression of atherosclerosis in vessel walls across all vascular beds. The management of dyslipidemia has evolved over the last several decades, especially since the discovery of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, also known as statins. Statin use in atherosclerotic heart disease is well described in observational and prospective placebo-controlled studies, citing both lipid-lowering and pleiotropic effects. However, the effect of statins and other lipid-lowering agents on noncoronary arterial beds (the aorta, arteries to the extremities, renal, and carotid arteries) is less understood. This article is part 2 of a 2-part review, with part 1 having focused on lipid metabolism and the downstream effects of lipids on the development of atherosclerosis. The current review (part 2) will discuss trials, retrospective reviews, and observational cohort studies regarding the use of statins and/or other lipid-lowering drugs for primary and secondary prevention of peripheral noncoronary atherosclerotic disease.