What are statins primarily used for?

Statins are primarily used to reduce the risk of heart disease. They achieve this by lowering levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, often referred to as "bad cholesterol." Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. By effectively managing cholesterol levels, statins help prevent cardiovascular events and promote overall heart health.

The other options do not define the primary function of statins. Increasing bad cholesterol would have the opposite effect of what statins are designed to do. Speeding up blood flow is related to other treatments or medications, not statins. Creating artificial hearts is a surgical intervention rather than a pharmacological approach like that of statins.