Which drug class is typically used to decrease cholesterol levels?

Statins are a class of drugs specifically designed to lower cholesterol levels in the body. They work by inhibiting an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver, which leads to a reduction in overall cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. By decreasing LDL cholesterol, statins help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

While beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics serve important roles in managing various cardiovascular conditions, they do not primarily target cholesterol levels. Beta-blockers are mainly used to manage heart rhythm issues and hypertension, ACE inhibitors help lower blood pressure and protect kidney function, and diuretics are utilized to reduce fluid overload in conditions like heart failure. Therefore, statins are the appropriate choice when specifically aiming to decrease cholesterol levels.