These questions are about interpreting the question and applying your own knowledge.
1 - Relevance of writing about the different ways that the two drugs work:
"Statins block the enzyme in the liver that is used to produce cholesterol"
This means that by taking statins the body makes NO cholesterol. Some people have a genetic condition which means the body produces too much cholesterol, even if their diet is very low fat. In this case a statin would be appropriate as it is a body problem and not a diet problem. The main reason for the high cholesterol is the over-production in the liver.
"Cholesterol blockers reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine into the blood."
This drug will only work to reduce cholesterol from the diet. If your body produces too much cholesterol then this is no good, you would have to take the statin.
2 - comparing side effects
"People will normally have to take statins for the rest of their lives. Statins can lead to muscle damage and kidney problems. Using some statins for a long time has caused high numbers of deaths"
This is not very good, but if the problem is that your body is producing too much cholesterol then you have no choice. If you don't take the statin then your cholesterol will remain high and your risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke is much greater!!
"Cholesterol blockers can sometimes cause problems if the person is using other drugs."
These have fewer side effects, which is good for something that is just used to reduce cholesterol short term.
3 - conclude
Either way, it is often better to risk the side effects of the drugs in order to reduce the risk of much bigger problems (like heart attack) that are very serious and often lead to death.
pog
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