Atorvastatin (trade name Lipitor) is a medication in the statin class that blocks HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme in the liver responsible for cholesterol production. This lowers total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides, while modestly raising HDL (“good” cholesterol). Atorvastatin is widely prescribed due to its strong LDL-lowering ability and proven benefit in reducing heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. It is typically used for patients with elevated cholesterol or those at high cardiovascular risk, such as individuals with coronary artery disease, diabetes, or multiple risk factors.