Final answer:
Statins vary in how effectively they can lower different lipid parameters and are widely used due to their effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular risk. They inhibit the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase to reduce cholesterol synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement about statins is: Statins differ by how greatly they can reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride levels. Statins are a class of drugs that lower cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for synthesizing cholesterol in the body. Statins are widely prescribed and are considered effective in reducing cardiovascular risk. Additionally, these medications work regardless of the time of day they are taken, but are often recommended to be taken in the evening as the body's cholesterol synthesis peaks at night. While generally safe, statins do have known side effects, which can include muscle pain, increased liver enzymes, and others; however, they are not typically considered to be adverse.