statin

American  

[stat-n] / ˈstæt n /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. any of a class of drugs that reduce the levels of lipids in the blood by altering the enzyme activity in the liver that produces lipids: used in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.

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statin British  

/ ˈstætɪn /

noun

1. any of a class of drugs, including atorvastatin and simvastatin, that lower the levels of low-density lipoproteins in the blood by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver

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statin Scientific  

/ stăt′n /

1. Any of a class of drugs that inhibit a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and promote receptor binding of LDL-cholesterol, resulting in decreased levels of serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and increased levels of HDL-cholesterol.

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Etymology

Origin of statin

First recorded in 1985–90; extracted from (lova)statin and other drugs in this class

Example Sentences

HRT’s cardiac benefits may be even more effective than statins at reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

From The Wall Street Journal

A statin isn’t the only answer anymore to lowering cholesterol.

From The Wall Street Journal

And it promised to help tens of thousands of patients whose cholesterol wasn’t well controlled by older statin pills.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some individuals are born with genetic variants that affect the same proteins targeted by cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins and ezetimibe.

From Science Daily

The tools for a healthy, dementia-free future exist: blood pressure control, appropriate statin and other therapy, smoking prevention and cessation support, and comprehensive primary care focused on prevention.

From The Wall Street Journal