Atorvastatin is a prescription medicine used to treat high cholesterol and to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart complications in people with certain heart and blood vessel diseases. It belongs to a class of medications called statins, which work by blocking an enzyme in the liver needed to make cholesterol. Atorvastatin can also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Atorvastatin is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, or statins. It is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: This is often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can build up in the walls of your arteries and form plaque. Plaque can narrow the arteries and make it harder for blood to flow through. This can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This is often called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries.
Atorvastatin works by reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol your liver makes. It also slightly increases the level of HDL cholesterol in your blood.
Atorvastatin is used along with a healthy diet and exercise to:
- Lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease or who are at high risk of developing heart disease.
- Lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high cholesterol.
- Treat a genetic condition called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes very high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Atorvastatin is available in tablet form and is usually taken once a day in the evening.
It is important to note that I am not a medical professional and this information should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new medication.