Final answer:
Ezetimibe helps to reduce lipid levels by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, leading to lower LDL cholesterol levels and improved overall lipid profiles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The effect of ezetimibe on lipid levels is to lower the amount of cholesterol absorbed by the body, particularly targeting the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. By inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, ezetimibe decreases the delivery of cholesterol to the liver. This reduction in hepatic cholesterol leads to an increase in the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Consequently, patients using ezetimibe typically see a decrease in their LDL cholesterol levels and an improvement in their overall lipid profile, which is beneficial for reducing cardiovascular risk.