What is a primary goal of statin therapy?

The primary goal of statin therapy is to decrease cholesterol synthesis and lower LDL levels. Statins, which are a class of medications used to manage cholesterol levels, work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing the synthesis of cholesterol, statins effectively lower circulating LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, which is crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Lowering LDL cholesterol is especially important because high levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, wherein cholesterol builds up in the arteries and can lead to significant cardiovascular conditions. Thus, by focusing on decreasing cholesterol synthesis and lowering LDL levels, statin therapy aims not merely to manage cholesterol levels but to reduce cardiovascular risk and improve overall health outcomes.