What is atorvastatin primarily used for?

Atorvastatin is primarily used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It belongs to a class of medications known as statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that contributes to cholesterol production. By reducing the production of cholesterol, atorvastatin helps to decrease the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and can also increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol. This action is crucial in preventing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, particularly in individuals who are at higher risk due to existing health conditions or high cholesterol levels.

In the context of the other options, hypertension management typically involves medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or diuretics; anxiety disorders are generally treated with antidepressants or anxiolytics, and weight loss usually requires lifestyle changes or medications designed for that purpose. Thus, atorvastatin's primary role in lowering cholesterol clearly distinguishes it from these other medical uses.