Why does cholesterol need to be reduced and how do statins do this?

-High levels of cholesterol (especially LDL's, the 'bad' type) clog the arteries with a thick fatty substance

-This causes narrowing of the coronary arteries (which carry blood to the heart)

-The narrowing and hardening of the arteries is called atheroclerosis

-This can cause heart attacks by restricting blood flow to the heart

-People feel crushing chest pain and often breathing difficulties

-Statins work in the liver to reduce the manufacture of cholesterol, lowering levels in the blood