Final answer:
Statins are medications that lower blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase. They are effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases by reducing the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Examples include Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Step-by-step explanation:
The medication that lowers blood cholesterol levels is statins. Statins are a class of drugs that effectively reduce high cholesterol by inhibiting the action of an enzyme in the body called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is critical in the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. Examples of statin medications include Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Rosuvastatin (Crestor).
When statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the liver produces less cholesterol, and the amount of cholesterol circulating in the blood is decreased. This reduction in blood cholesterol levels helps reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular complications. Drugs such as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are used for managing hypertension and heart issues but do not have the primary function of lowering cholesterol. Aspirin, on the other hand, is an antiplatelet and helps prevent blood clots.