What is the primary use of statins in pharmacology?

Statins are primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the body, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By lowering cholesterol levels, statins can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.

While the other options describe important health issues and medications aimed at addressing them, they do not pertain to the primary function of statins. For example, statins are not designed to control blood pressure, manage diabetes, or treat infections, which is why those choices do not fit within the established purpose of statin therapy. Thus, the primary use of statins is accurately identified as lowering cholesterol levels.