[Lipid lowering treatment and regression of arteriosclerosis (author's transl)]

The pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis is unknown. As etiological factors which are associated with early development of arteriosclerosis hyperlipemia, cigarette smoking and hypertension are undisputed. More recently studies which show substantial pointers to regression of arteriosclerosis have become more numerous. It has been demonstrated by animal experiments that arteriosclerotic changes can be induced by a diet rich in cholesterol and furthermore can be brought to remission by low fat feeding and/or lipid lowering substances. Indirect pointers to regression, slower or no progressiveness of arteriosclerosis in man have been provided by autopsy findings and epidemiological studies. It has also been recorded angiographically that arteriosclerotic changes can be made to regress by a lipid lowering treatment.