Final answer:
Bile acid resins lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by binding to bile acids in the intestine, thus reducing the risk of heart disease by preventing cholesterol accumulation in the arteries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bile acid resins are medications that help to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as 'bad cholesterol.' LDL is responsible for transporting cholesterol to cells, and if its levels in the blood are high, it can result in the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to heart attack or stroke. Bile acid resins work by binding to bile acids in the intestine and preventing their reabsorption. This causes the liver to increase conversion of cholesterol to bile acids to replace those lost, thereby reducing the cholesterol level and the amount of cholesterol that can be assembled into LDL. As a result, there is a decrease in LDL levels in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease.