The treatment of cholesterol : safety and efficacy of statin therapy

Abstract

Statins are the most widely prescribed class of drugs worldwide, and also the most powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs currently available. Statins inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, which leads to reduced cholesterol synthesis. In addition, low-density cholesterol receptors on the hepatocyte surface are upregulated, leading to increased clearance of cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are reduced, which leads to a significant reduction in cardiovascular events, of 25-45%.