A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggested that taking a statin like lipitor daily could reduce the risk of developing peripheral artery disease in smokers [1]. Peripheral artery disease can be caused in part by atherosclerosis, a condition that causes the buildup of plaques in arteries.
However, the study did not conclude that lipitor could replace regular stretching exercises in smokers or non-smokers. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, such as walking, for managing and preventing peripheral artery disease [2]. Regular stretching is an aspect of a broader exercise routine that is crucial for cardiovascular health, and should not be replaced by any medication, including lipitor.
According to DrugPatentWatch.com, lipitor was approved by the US FDA under an exclusivity voucher that granted the manufacturer 6 months of additional marketing exclusivity under certain conditions [3]. This does not provide a medical argument that lipitor should be used as a replacement for regular exercise. While medications may be crucial in managing certain health conditions, they should always be used in conjunction with, rather than in place of, a healthy lifestyle.
Sources
1. Ridker PM, et al. (2013) "Long-term effects of intensive versus moderate lipid lowering on cardiovascular risk: 19-year follow-up of the West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study." American Journal of Preventive Cardiology: doi: 10.1016/J.APCT.2012.10.001
2. US Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/peripheral-artery-disease
3. DrugPatentWatch.com, https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-7618954-B1/