A 62-year-old male presents with angina and high lipid levels. How should the mechanism of action for niacin be explained to the patient?

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is primarily recognized for its role in lipid metabolism. When explaining its mechanism of action to the patient, stating that it lowers LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and increases HDL (high-density lipoprotein) accurately highlights its beneficial effects on cholesterol levels. Niacin works by inhibiting the hepatic synthesis of triglycerides, which leads to reduced production of LDL cholesterol. Concurrently, it enhances the activity of enzymes involved in the breakdown of lipoprotein, which raises HDL levels. Elevated HDL is often associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, benefiting patients with conditions such as angina and hyperlipidemia.

While some of the other options may touch on aspects of niacin's effects, they do not fully encompass its primary benefits in lipid management. For instance, although niacin can reduce triglyceride levels, a more defining characteristic is its impact on both LDL and HDL, making the latter the most comprehensive explanation of its action for the patient.