What is Atorvastatin?

Atorvastatin is a medication used to lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in the body. It belongs to a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. Atorvastatin works by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol that can build up on the walls of the arteries and potentially block blood flow to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.

The primary uses of Atorvastatin are to lower the risk of heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks. It is often prescribed alongside dietary changes, weight loss, and exercise to decrease the chance of requiring heart surgery in individuals with existing heart disease or those at risk of developing it.

Atorvastatin is also effective in lowering the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol,” and triglycerides while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as “good cholesterol,” in the blood.

In addition, Atorvastatin can be used to reduce cholesterol and other fatty substances in the blood of children and teenagers aged 10 to 17 who have familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition where cholesterol cannot be efficiently removed from the body.