High Cholesterol: Reducing "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. Heart Health: Increasing "good" cholesterol (HDL). Prevention: Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and chest pain (angina) in patients with heart disease or risk factors like diabetes.

It works by selectively inhibiting an enzyme in the liver called HMG-CoA reductase. This enzyme is the "rate-limiter" for cholesterol production. By blocking it, the liver produces less cholesterol and increases its ability to pull existing LDL cholesterol out of the blood.

Common: Cold-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose), joint pain, or diarrhea. Muscular: Muscle aches or weakness (myalgia). Metabolic: Slight increase in blood sugar levels. Serious (Rare): Liver enzyme changes or severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis).