• Meggan R Banta, Fangchao Ma, Dawn M Bravata, Robert S Kirsner, and Daniel G Federman.
• Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
• J Gen Intern Med. 2006 Jul 1; 21 (7): 711714711-4.

BackgroundPatients 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.ObjectiveTo 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).DesignA retrospective chart review of subjects diagnosed with PAD in 2001 at 2 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.MeasurementsUnivariate 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.ResultsOf 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.ConclusionThe 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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