[Risk Factor Management for Polyvascular Atherosclerosis]

Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2025 Jun;150(13):747-753. doi: 10.1055/a-2362-4893. Epub 2025 May 28.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Polyvascular atherosclerosis is characterized by atherosclerosis in several vascular territories, leading to an extremely high risk of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular death. These patients derive a higher absolute risk reduction from preventive measures compared to individuals with monovascular atherosclerosis. The most important lifestyle factors are non-smoking and physical exercise. Pharmacological management includes lipid-lowering with an LDL-cholesterol target of <40mg/dl (1,0mmol/l) and blood-pressure control with a systolic target of 120mmHg. Diabetes type 2 in patients with polyvascular atherosclerosis should be treated with SGLT2-inhibitors and/or GLP1-receptor agonists. Patients with obesity and polyvascular disease should receive GLP1RA - regardless of the presence of diabetes. Thus, a comprehensive risk factor management in patients with polyvascular atherosclerosis is essential to improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Atherosclerosis* / prevention & control
  • Atherosclerosis* / therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Risk Factors
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors