Final answer:
Statin drugs are used to treat hypercholesterolemia by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for synthesizing cholesterol. Trans-fatty acids are considered more harmful than dietary cholesterol due to their negative effects on cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Statin drugs are used to treat hypercholesterolemia because they are inhibitors of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol in the body. By inhibiting this enzyme, statins help to reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. In addition to dietary modification, statins are commonly prescribed to lower cardiovascular risk in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Dietary cholesterol and trans-fatty acids both have negative effects on health, but trans-fatty acids are considered to be more harmful. Trans-fatty acids are artificially created during the process of hydrogenation, which converts liquid vegetable oils into solid fats. These trans-fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Dietary cholesterol, on the other hand, is found naturally in animal products and can contribute to atherosclerosis when consumed in excess.