[Secondary prevention of arteriosclerosis].

Abstract

Secondary prevention of arteriosclerosis tries to inhibit progression of the atherosclerotic process. Therapeutic measures focus on modification of cardiovascular risk factors and antithrombotic treatment. Hypercholesterolemia is the main risk factor for coronary artery disease. The risk of a coronary event is correlated to the plasma cholesterol level. Lowering plasma cholesterol results in reduction of vascular morbidity and mortality. Cigarette smoking is the predominant risk factor for peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Smoking cessation reduces progression of PAOD and lowers cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The preventive effect of antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive patients is most pronounced for cerebrovascular events. Antihypertensive measures improve prognosis after stroke and myocardial infarction. The increased cardiovascular risk in diabetics is in part explained by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, but also depends on coexisting dyslipidemia and hypertension. Intensive treatment of elevated blood glucose levels, dyslipidemia and hypertension are important preventive measures. Aspirin is highly effective in secondary prevention of vascular events. For the coronary arteries, low-dose aspirin is well established. Whether low-dose aspirin is equally effective for reducing progression of arteriosclerosis in the cerebrovascular and in the peripheral vessels is questionable. Ticlopidine serves as an alternative to aspirin; however, neutropenia may occur, which requires supervision of the patient.

• Authors: U Hoffmann, A J Leu
• Journal: Praxis (Praxis (Bern 1994)) Vol. 85 Issue 39 Pg. 1201-5 (Sep 24 1996) ISSN: 1661-8157 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Sekundärprävention der Arteriosklerose.
• PMID: 8927904 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Antihypertensive Agents
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
• Aspirin

Topics

• Anticholesteremic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antihypertensive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Arteriosclerosis (etiology, prevention & control)
• Aspirin (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypoglycemic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Risk Factors
• Smoking Cessation