Pharmacy PEBC Practice Exam 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Statins are the primary medication class used to treat hyperlipidemia, which is characterized by elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a central role in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This results in a decrease in cholesterol production, leading to a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, which is a key factor in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.

Statins have also been shown to provide additional benefits beyond cholesterol lowering, including plaque stabilization in arteries and anti-inflammatory effects, making them particularly effective in the management of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or those at high risk.

In contrast, the other medication classes listed do not primarily target lipid levels. Beta-blockers are mainly used to manage hypertension and arrhythmias, ACE inhibitors are primarily prescribed for hypertension and heart failure, and diuretics are utilized for fluid management and hypertension. Therefore, statins stand out as the mainstay therapy for hyperlipidemia.