Final answer:
Atorvastatin, marketed as Lipitor, is a statin that lowers cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme vital for cholesterol synthesis. This helps treat and prevent cardiovascular diseases by reducing bad cholesterol levels and may increase good cholesterol.
Step-by-step explanation:
Atorvastatin (Lipitor) Action & Therapeutic Effects
Atorvastatin, commonly known by its brand name Lipitor, is a medication classified within the statins. These drugs are responsible for lowering cholesterol levels in the body by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is crucial for cholesterol synthesis from lipids within the body. By blocking HMG-CoA reductase, statins like atorvastatin effectively reduce the amount of cholesterol produced, which can help prevent cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure and heart failure. The therapeutic effects of statins not only involve lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) but also potentially raising the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered good cholesterol.