Statins have pleiotropic effects beyond cholesterol lowering by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. This leads to decreased isoprenylation of signaling molecules like Ras and Rho, improving endothelial dysfunction, reducing inflammation, stabilizing plaques, and inhibiting vascular smooth muscle proliferation. Statins also decrease thrombogenic response and the incidence of ischemic strokes by upregulating endothelial nitric oxide. They may protect against cardiac hypertrophy and dementia as well.