Peripheral Artery Disease

Dr. Zipes — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:00:32 +0000

I am nearly recovered from a mild stroke that my medical reports say was due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). I changed my diet, had physical therapy, and lost weight. I had to stop Lipitor for cholesterol (which is 125) because of nighttime leg cramps. Should I be doing more for my PAD? I have read about inserting stents for narrowed arteries. How does one know if or when these procedures are necessary?

It is important to keep your cholesterol under control. There are drugs other than Lipitor (atorvastatin) that could be tried if your lipids are elevated. The presence of PAD is easily evaluated with a noninvasive Doppler flow probe placed over the artery. Check with your cardiologist if you are concerned. Usually, patients are symptomatic before we intervene with stents or surgery depending on the particular problem. Elevated lipids contribute to the development of PAD, so be sure to keep your cholesterol low.

Peripheral Artery Disease The Saturday Evening Post

Statins and Heart Health

Dr. Zipes — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:00:10 +0000

I’ve read people with heart problems should not use statin drugs. I’m diabetic and on my second pacemaker. Our medical insurance is suggesting that I change from Lipitor to the statin drug simvastatin. Please inform me if this should be done.

On the contrary, statins are routinely taken by people with heart problems to lower elevated lipids. The statin should not affect your pacemaker at all. Simvastatin (Zocor) can be substituted for Lipitor (atorvastatin) as long as you check your lipids to be sure the new drug effectively reduces your cholesterol.

Statins and Heart Health The Saturday Evening Post

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Peripheral Artery Disease

Statins and Heart Health