The benefit of statins in non-cardiac vascular surgery patients

There is overwhelming evidence that statins reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary disease. Statins have also been shown to reduce the risk of (recurrent) stroke. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, which plays a causal role in the development of atherosclerotic disease, is the primary lipid target in prevention, and is effectively reduced by these agents. In this review, studies are summarized addressing the issues whether statins also directly influence the atherosclerotic process in peripheral arterial disease, carotid artery stenosis, and growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms, and whether statins have an effect on perioperative outcomes in vascular surgery patients. It appears that the evidence of statins on peripheral arterial disease is scarce and its effect on perioperative outcome inconclusive. Prospective randomized trials to answer these questions cannot be performed anymore, however, because all vascular patients should receive statin treatment as secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.