Open AccessIncidence of and Factors Associated with Achieving Target Lipid Levels in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Author(s) -
Banta Meggan R.,
Ma Fangchao,
Bravata Dawn M.,
Kirsner Robert S.,
Federman Daniel G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of general internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.746
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 1525-1497
pISSN - 0884-8734
DOI - 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00456.x
Subject(s) - medicine , coronary artery disease , logistic regression , veterans affairs , incidence (geometry) , stroke (engine) , univariate analysis , peripheral , arterial disease , vascular disease , retrospective cohort study , disease , multivariate analysis , cardiology , surgery , mechanical engineering , engineering , physics , optics
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.