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.
Thieme. All rights reserved.