Which class of medications is primarily used to treat hyperlipidemia?

Statins are the class of medications primarily used to treat hyperlipidemia, which refers to elevated levels of lipids, primarily cholesterol and triglycerides, in the bloodstream. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By reducing cholesterol synthesis, statins effectively lower total cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.

Furthermore, statins can also provide additional cardiovascular benefits, such as stabilizing plaque in the arteries and reducing inflammation, which contributes to their recommendation as a first-line treatment for managing high cholesterol. This class of medications is commonly prescribed to patients with a history of heart disease or those at risk for cardiovascular events due to elevated lipid levels.

Other medication classes listed, such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and thiazide diuretics, serve different primary purposes. Beta-blockers mainly manage hypertension and heart issues, ACE inhibitors typically help with high blood pressure and heart failure, and thiazide diuretics are used primarily for treating hypertension and fluid retention. Hence, they are not primarily indicated for lowering lipid levels, distinguishing statins as the correct choice for