Atherosclerosis in the younger patient: Results of surgical management☆

Abstract One hundred fifty-three patients under 50 years of age with atherosclerosis were studied. Hospital and office records were reviewed to determine risk factors, operations performed, postoperative course, and long-term results. These data were then compared with the data in the group of patients over 50 years of age. Results of this study indicate that survival in the younger patient is better than that in the patient over 50. Survival in the younger patient compared favorably to that in the general population through 5 years. Limb salvage rates after aortofemoral bypass and femoropopliteal bypass in both age groups were the same; however, limb salvage after femorotibial bypass in patients under 50 was not as good as in the older patient. Based on these results, the disease process in patients under 50 years of age does not appear more virulent than in those over 50 years of age. Smoking is the most significant risk factor in patients under 50 with atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.