What is the primary therapeutic use of statins?

Statins are primarily used to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are a key contributor to the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Statins work by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. This results in decreased production of cholesterol and increased uptake of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, which effectively reduces the overall levels of LDL cholesterol.

While statins can also influence triglyceride levels and may have a modest effect on increasing HDL cholesterol, their primary indication and most significant impact is on lowering LDL cholesterol. This is why statin therapy is often a cornerstone in the management of hyperlipidemia and in reducing cardiovascular risk. The prevention of blood clots is primarily addressed through other classes of medications such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets, making that option less relevant in the context of statin therapy.