In addition to lowering cholesterol, what other benefits do statins provide?

Statins are well-known primarily for their ability to lower cholesterol levels, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. However, their benefits extend beyond just cholesterol management. One significant additional advantage of statins is their anti-inflammatory effects. Statins help reduce inflammation in the vascular system, which is a critical factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.

Moreover, statins have plaque-stabilizing properties, which means they can help make atherosclerotic plaques less likely to rupture. This is important because plaque rupture can lead to serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. By stabilizing these plaques, statins contribute to overall cardiovascular health and decrease the risk of these life-threatening events.

In summary, statins provide important benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, which are crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases. These additional mechanisms reinforce the value of statins in cardiovascular risk reduction beyond their cholesterol-lowering capability.