Miscellaneous medications for the management of atherosclerosis: mayhem or miracle?

A plethora of agents have been proposed to combat atherosclerosis, and many of these come from outside mainstream medicine. The majority have anti-oxidant properties, which is the scientific basis for their supposed action. Some of these agents have been evaluated carefully in randomized, double-blinded studies, whereas others have gained popularity despite a paucity of valid data. Although many are prescribed or physician recommended, most are used without the knowledge of the patient's physician. In some cases these "medications" may have harmful side effects or impact negatively on other aspects of the patients medical or surgical care. Others, however, may be extremely beneficial although not utilized because the doctor is unaware of their potential. Accordingly, it is important that the vascular surgeon become acquainted with these compounds. This report attempts to summarize the most commonly used herbs, vitamins, foods and other sundry "treatments" and makes recommendations for their use based on our current understanding of their scientific and clinical merit.