Which class of drugs is commonly used to treat hyperlipidemia?

Statins are a class of drugs specifically designed to treat hyperlipidemia, which is characterized by elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, particularly cholesterol. The primary mechanism of action for statins is the inhibition of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, an enzyme crucial for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. By lowering cholesterol levels, statins reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. They effectively decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," while also having a modest effect on increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good cholesterol."

The other classes of drugs mentioned serve different purposes and are not primarily indicated for managing hyperlipidemia. Beta-blockers mainly treat cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and arrhythmias; ACE inhibitors are primarily used for managing hypertension and heart failure; and anticoagulants are utilized to prevent blood clot formation in various conditions, including atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Therefore, the use of statins is specifically aligned with the management of hyperlipidemia, making them the correct answer in this context.