Statins are a new group of drugs used to bring down cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is synthesized in the body by a chemical process that requires several enzymes to help.
One such enzyme that controls the rate of the entire process of cholesterol synthesis is HMG Co-A Reductase. Statins act by binding with this enzyme, HMG CoA Reductase, and inhibiting its action. As a consequence, cholesterol synthesis in the liver decreases. No, while statins primarily bring down LDL cholesterol, they also have other effects. The mechanisms of these other effects are not yet clear.