ABSTRACT
Vascular surgeons mainly treat complications of atherosclerosis. at atherosclerosis is segmental in distribution eectively treated by bypass or removal of lesions is a uniquely surgical insight recognized over six decades ago.1 However, atherosclerosis, also a systemic disease, remains dormant in arteries until a complication signals its presence. Not only does atherosclerosis progress in native arteries, it also aects newly placed gras.2 Surgical and endovascular arterial interventions do not prevent disease progression. Advances in medical management and understanding of atherogenesis oer prospects for primary prevention and eective secondary treatment based upon stabilization and regression of the atherosclerotic plaque. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality mainly due to stroke and myocardial infarction.3 PubMed lists, at this time, over 104,000 citations for atherosclerosis and 4469 ongoing or completed regression studies in Clinical Trials.gov. Eective management of PAD requires understanding of the natural history of atherosclerotic lesions and principles of medical management. is chapter reviews the pathology of atherosclerosis and, in this context, outlines current medical management strategies for patients with atherosclerosis as a narrative review. Established as well as emerging scientic concepts of atherogenesis and its treatment will be considered.
