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Incidence of and factors associated with achieving target lipid levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have increased mortality compared with patients without PAD. Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for almost 75% of deaths in PAD patients. Studies suggest that PAD is underdiagnosed and atherosclerotic risk factors undertreated when compared with CAD.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether cholesterol guidelines are being met in patients with PAD and to determine whether any independent factors increase the likelihood of reaching goal low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of subjects diagnosed with PAD in 2001 at 2 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.

MEASUREMENTS: Univariate analysis compares baseline characteristics between those reaching goal and those who do not. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified predictors of meeting LDL goal among PAD patients.

RESULTS: Of 315 patients, 62% reached goal LDL. Those more likely to reach goal were older, had hypertension, and a history of CAD and stroke. Positive predictors of LDL goal were age and CAD, while smoking was a negative predictor.

CONCLUSION: The majority of veterans with PAD received lipid-lowering medication and achieve goal LDL, but they are more likely to do so if they are older than 70 and have a history of CAD.

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Correspondence to Robert S. Kirsner MD, PhD.

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None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to declare.

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Banta, M.R., Ma, F., Bravata, D.M. et al. Incidence of and factors associated with achieving target lipid levels in patients with peripheral arterial disease. J Gen Intern Med 21, 711–714 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00456.x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00456.x

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