American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABFM Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary benefit of statin therapy in patients with dyslipidemia lies in its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is closely associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, statin therapy has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular complications, making it a cornerstone of treatment in managing dyslipidemia.

While statins may have some impact on reducing triglycerides and slightly raising HDL cholesterol (considered "good" cholesterol), the primary, well-documented benefit and focus of statin therapy is the substantial reduction of LDL cholesterol levels, directly linking this action to improved cardiovascular outcomes.