Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Inhibidor de la hidroximetilglutaril-coenzima A reductasa
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (hy-DROK-see-MEH-thul-GLOO-tuh-ril koh-EN-zime-A ree-DUK-tays in-HIH-bih-te
A substance that blocks an enzyme needed by the body to make cholesterol and lowers the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor drugs are called statins. Also called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.