What is the therapeutic use of statins?

The therapeutic use of statins is primarily centered on their ability to lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, statins help to prevent the buildup of plaques in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This decrease in cholesterol levels is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events, making statins a cornerstone in the management of cardiovascular health.

While hypertension management, angina relief, and diabetes treatment are crucial areas in healthcare, they do not directly pertain to the primary role of statins. Statins do not specifically target high blood pressure, they do not directly alleviate chest pain associated with angina, and they are not used to treat diabetes mellitus. Thus, the most accurate and complete representation of statin therapy lies in their cholesterol-lowering effects and the associated reduction in cardiovascular risk.