Atorvastatin

Atorvastatin is a statin medication that lowers LDL cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase in the liver. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular events.

HMG-CoA reductase: An enzyme that catalyzes a rate-limiting step in the mevalonate pathway, which produces cholesterol and other molecules. Atorvastatin inhibits this enzyme, reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: Heart and blood-vessel disease caused by plaque buildup in arterial walls. Preventing events in this disease is a central purpose of atorvastatin treatment.
Rosuvastatin: A potent statin medication that lowers LDL cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. It is another high-intensity statin, with different metabolism and dosing characteristics.
Cholesterol: A waxy lipid used in cell membranes and as a precursor for steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D. Atorvastatin lowers the body's production of this molecule and the LDL that carries it.
Mevalonate pathway: A metabolic pathway that produces cholesterol and other isoprenoid compounds from acetyl-CoA. It contains the enzyme target through which atorvastatin reduces cholesterol production.
Primary prevention: Measures taken to prevent disease before it has occurred. Atorvastatin can lower first-event risk in people whose cardiovascular risk warrants treatment.
Simvastatin: A statin medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk. Its shorter duration and greater CYP3A4 interaction burden distinguish it from atorvastatin.
High-density lipoprotein: A class of lipoprotein particles involved in transporting cholesterol from tissues toward the liver. It contrasts with LDL, though changes in HDL are not the main basis for atorvastatin's benefit.
Low-density lipoprotein: A class of lipoprotein particles that transport cholesterol through the bloodstream to tissues. Atorvastatin lowers circulating LDL cholesterol by increasing its removal from blood.
Secondary prevention: Measures taken to prevent recurrence or progression after a disease event or diagnosis. After cardiovascular disease is established, atorvastatin can reduce the chance of further events.

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StatinBroader topic: It is a widely used example of high-intensity statin therapy.