Final answer:
Statins reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, which decreases cholesterol synthesis in the liver, thereby lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Statins are a class of drugs that are used to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. They achieve this by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol from lipids within the body. This action blocks the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, leading to decreased levels of cholesterol produced by the liver. Statins, such as Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Rosuvastatin (Crestor), reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by targeting this critical pathway.
While some treatments may aim to flush cholesterol from the body or inhibit lipolysis in adipose tissue, the primary mechanism by which statins operate is through the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. It's important to regulate cholesterol as high levels can lead to health issues, but it's also vital to maintain some cholesterol as it's necessary for various bodily functions, including the formation of cell membranes and hormones.