Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the body and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [1]. It belongs to a class of drugs called statins, which work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that is responsible for producing cholesterol [3]. By reducing the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream, Lipitor can help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes [2].

According to a press release by Pfizer, the manufacturer of Lipitor, the medication has been shown to provide "unprecedented cardiovascular risk reductions" in patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, as well as in stroke patients [2]. In a clinical trial involving over 5,000 patients with diabetes and metabolic syndrome, Lipitor was found to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events by 35% compared to placebo [2]. Similarly, in a study of over 4,000 patients who had suffered a stroke or transient ischemic attack, Lipitor was found to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events by 16% compared to placebo [2].

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that statins like Lipitor are effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels, which is the "bad" cholesterol that can contribute to the development of heart disease [3]. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, statins can help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes [3]. The CDC also notes that statins may have other beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, such as reducing inflammation and improving the function of the endothelium, which is the inner lining of the blood vessels [3].

In conclusion, Lipitor works by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver, which can help prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Clinical trials have shown that Lipitor can provide significant cardiovascular risk reductions in patients with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and stroke. Statins like Lipitor are effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels and may have other beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system as well [2][3].

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/lipitor_provides_unprecedented_cardiovascular_risk_reductions_in_diabetes_patients_with_metabolic_syndrome_and_in_stroke_patients
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/docs/Statins-English.pdf