What is the primary therapeutic use of statins?

The primary therapeutic use of statins is to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. Statins are a class of medications that work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By lowering the amount of cholesterol produced, statins effectively help to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. This reduction is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, which are linked to high cholesterol levels.

While lowering blood pressure is an important aspect of managing cardiovascular risk, it is not the primary role of statins. Similarly, statins are not indicated for managing diabetes or treating bacterial infections. Their specific mechanism of action focuses on cholesterol reduction, making them a vital component in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and the prevention of cardiovascular events.