What is the primary use of atorvastatin in the clinical setting?

Atorvastatin is primarily used in the clinical setting to reduce LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and triglycerides. It belongs to a class of medications known as statins, which work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase that plays a central role in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. By decreasing the levels of LDL cholesterol, atorvastatin helps to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, which are often associated with high cholesterol levels.

The reduction of triglycerides is another significant benefit of atorvastatin therapy, contributing to improved overall lipid profiles for patients at risk of cardiovascular conditions. While increasing HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) can be a favorable outcome of lipid-lowering therapy, it is not the primary indication for atorvastatin. Additionally, atorvastatin is not indicated for blood pressure management or for direct management of diabetes, even though it may have some cardiovascular benefits for patients with diabetes when used in the context of managing dyslipidemia.