Which class of drugs is primarily used to lower cholesterol levels?

The class of drugs that is primarily used to lower cholesterol levels is known as 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitors, commonly referred to as statins. These medications work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking this enzyme, statins effectively reduce the production of cholesterol, leading to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often termed "bad" cholesterol. This reduction helps decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, making statins a cornerstone in the management of hyperlipidemia.

The other classes of drugs mentioned serve different primary functions. Beta-blockers are primarily used to manage hypertension and cardiac conditions by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart. Calcium channel blockers are used to treat hypertension and certain arrhythmias by preventing calcium from entering heart and blood vessel cells, which relaxes and widens blood vessels. Thiazide diuretics are primarily indicated for the treatment of hypertension and edema, working by promoting the excretion of sodium and water from the body. These drugs do not have a direct role in lowering cholesterol levels