PLASMA-LIPIDS AS A RISK FACTOR IN PERIPHERAL VASCULAR-DISEASE

Plasma lipids were tested in 59 patients with symptomatic peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (confirmed by angiographic and, in many cases, operative examinations) and compared with the lipid balance in 47 nonarteriopathic subjects constituting the control group. Of all the elements considered, only the hypertriglyceridemia and the fall in the HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups. In particular, there was a significant difference in the triglyceridemia present in the arteriopathic patients, as evidenced by the double check afforded by the frequency test (PVD: 25/59; control: 8/47; p < 0.01) and the averages test (PVD: 201 ± 131; control: 138 ± 98; p < 0.01). © 1990, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.