What is the primary use of statin medications?

The primary use of statin medications is to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol. This leads to a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

By lowering LDL cholesterol, statins can help stabilize plaque in the arteries, preventing it from rupturing and leading to heart attacks or strokes. They are commonly prescribed to individuals with elevated cholesterol levels or those who have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or a history of heart attacks or strokes.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the primary use or mechanism of statins. Pain relief is typically addressed with analgesic medications, hypertension is managed with antihypertensive drugs specifically designed for blood pressure control, and diabetes management involves medications like metformin or insulin, rather than statins. Thus, the focus of statin therapy is uniquely oriented toward cardiovascular health.