What is the primary reason for prescribing atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is primarily prescribed to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which is crucial in managing hyperlipidemia and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the likelihood of heart attack and stroke.

By inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, atorvastatin effectively reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver, leading to decreased LDL levels in the bloodstream. This mechanism is particularly important for patients who have elevated LDL cholesterol or who are at high risk for cardiovascular events, making atorvastatin a key component of lipid-lowering therapy.

While atorvastatin can also have some effect on triglyceride levels and may help in increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, these are not its primary indications. Additionally, atorvastatin is not used for preventing hypertension, which involves different therapeutic approaches.