What is the key difference between the old and new cholesterol-lowering guidelines?

The key difference between the old and new cholesterol-lowering guidelines is the emphasis on percentage lowering of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) rather than a target number. The newer guidelines have shifted towards a more individualized approach to managing cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, focusing on the degree to which LDL levels are reduced with therapy rather than simply achieving a predetermined LDL target.

This approach recognizes that the reduction in cardiovascular events is more closely associated with how much LDL is decreased rather than just reaching an arbitrary number. It allows healthcare providers to make treatment decisions based on a patient's overall cardiovascular risk profile and the efficacy of the treatment rather than solely on reaching a set LDL goal. This reflects a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular outcomes.

Other options, such as emphasizing dietary changes or focusing on HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels, do not capture the primary shift in the guidelines. Additionally, the notion that the targets remain the same under both guidelines does not reflect the fundamental change in approach to managing cholesterol. The new guidelines prioritize reducing LDL levels significantly, which may better protect against cardiovascular diseases.