Which of the following medications is typically used to treat high cholesterol?

Atorvastatin is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as statins, which are specifically designed to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, atorvastatin reduces the overall cholesterol production, leading to a decrease in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. This mechanism is essential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, that are associated with high cholesterol levels.

In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, atorvastatin can also increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which is considered "good" cholesterol. Therefore, it is the medication of choice for managing high cholesterol levels and is widely prescribed for this purpose. The safety and efficacy of atorvastatin make it a standard part of treatment protocols for dyslipidemia in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The other medications listed serve different purposes. Aspirin is commonly used as an antiplatelet agent to reduce the risk of blood clots, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease. Ibuprofen is a nonst