What type of cholesterol is primarily decreased by the action of Pravastatin Sodium?

Pravastatin Sodium is a member of the statin class of medications, which are primarily known for their ability to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to a buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Statins, including Pravastatin, work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a key role in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. As a result, when this enzyme is inhibited, the liver begins to pull more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream to meet its needs, thereby decreasing overall levels of LDL cholesterol in circulation.

While Pravastatin may have modest effects on other lipid parameters, such as increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or reducing triglyceride levels, its primary action and most significant impact is the reduction of LDL cholesterol. This is consistent with the goal of statin therapy, which is aimed at lowering LDL levels to prevent cardiovascular events.