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Statins

From Michael Bihari, MD, for About.com

Updated: August 28, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: Statins are a class of medications that inhibit the production of cholesterol in your liver. As a result, levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol in your blood go down, which has been associated with a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and stroke.
Examples: Some frequently prescribed statins include Crestor (rosuvastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), and Zocor (simvastatin).

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