[Progress in the treatment of atherosclerotic vascular diseases]

The treatment of atherosclerotic vascular diseases has improved greatly. Clinical and epidemiological studies have recently revealed the following data. Changes in lifestyles is extremely effective and should be prevailed widely. Amelioration of atherosclerosis by drugs, including hypolipidemics, antihypertensives and antioxidant agents, is also confirmed. Skills and devices are much improved in PTCA and DCA which face the possibility of restenosis. Control of risk factors is also considered to be important to prevent restenosis.