Understanding Statins and Their Benefits
Statins are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. They work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. Common statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), and rosuvastatin (Crestor). Beyond lowering cholesterol, statins have been shown to stabilize plaques in the arteries and reduce inflammation, providing additional cardiovascular benefits. They are an important component in the management of hyperlipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular events.