What is the primary role of statins in lipid lowering?

The primary role of statins in lipid-lowering is to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Statins work by blocking the action of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme crucial for the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By inhibiting this enzyme, statins significantly reduce the production of cholesterol, which in turn helps to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

This reduction in LDL cholesterol is fundamental in preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. While statins may have a modest impact on increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and can lead to minor reductions in triglyceride levels, their predominant mechanism of action and primary clinical benefit is the inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. Thus, the therapeutic use of statins is specifically aimed at improving lipid profiles by targeting LDL cholesterol reduction.