Which lipid parameters are reduced by statin therapy?

Which lipid parameters are reduced by statin therapy?

• A. HDL
• B. LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides
• C. Triglycerides only
• D. LDL and HDL

Answer: (B)

Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol, which lowers the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. With less cholesterol synthesized, the liver increases the number of LDL receptors and clears more LDL from the blood, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Since LDL is a major component of total cholesterol, total cholesterol also decreases. Triglycerides often fall modestly as well, while HDL usually stays the same or rises slightly rather than being reduced. So the lipid parameters that are reduced with statin therapy are LDL, total cholesterol, and often triglycerides.

Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol, which lowers the amount of cholesterol the liver produces. With less cholesterol synthesized, the liver increases the number of LDL receptors and clears more LDL from the blood, lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Since LDL is a major component of total cholesterol, total cholesterol also decreases. Triglycerides often fall modestly as well, while HDL usually stays the same or rises slightly rather than being reduced. So the lipid parameters that are reduced with statin therapy are LDL, total cholesterol, and often triglycerides.