Management of dyslipidaemia is crucial for the reduction in the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the population. Optimum control of this risk factor in both primary and secondary care will not only help reduce cardiovascular disease, but also help reduce long-term healthcare costs for hospital stays, clinic visits and morbidity due to a chronic disease. The purpose of this review is to compare the recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2013 guidelines with those in Europe, Britain, Canada and the International Atherosclerosis Society position paper. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force have published new guidelines on the management of LDL cholesterol for the reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, which are in variance with the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society and other country guidelines and have significant repercussions in different populations. Significant variance between the guidelines can make it difficult for healthcare providers to provide standardized care in different countries, and their long-term implications are uncertain.