Lipitor is administered in conjunction with a healthy diet to decrease the levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), elevate levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL), and diminish triglycerides (a form of fat present in the bloodstream). Lipitor is also utilized to manage high cholesterol and lower the likelihood of heart complications, including stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular events, in individuals who have type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or other risk factors like genetically high cholesterol.