statin

Statins are the most commonly prescribed drugs for lowering cholesterol. They work by blocking an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol, which prompts the liver to pull more LDL cholesterol out of the blood. Taken as a daily tablet, they typically lower LDL levels substantially, and they have decades of clinical evidence behind them.

Large trials have shown that statins reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and deaths from cardiovascular disease, especially in people who already have heart disease or are at high risk of it. Common examples include atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. Most people tolerate statins well, though some report muscle aches, and doctors sometimes adjust the dose or switch drugs. When a statin alone does not bring LDL cholesterol low enough, other treatments such as PCSK9 inhibitors may be added.