While many consider LDL as the main culprit for most health conditions, a new study points out the role of another bad type of cholesterol in heart disease.

Previous studies had linked high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), long known as the bad cholesterol, to heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.

According to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Lipoprotein (a) or as Lp(a) also contributes to heart disease; its effect, however, is not as strong as LDL.

Having a low total cholesterol level could be a sign of undiagnosed cancer rather than a cause, new research has suggested.

Two studies reported this week in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, offer new insights into the relationship between cholesterol and cancer.

Cholesterol is carried in the bloodstream by lipoproteins, both high-density (HDL) particles and low-density (LDL) particles.

Experts say the international guidelines on who is eligible for statins may need reworking after the publication of a study finding that people at low risk of heart disease may benefit from cholesterol medication.

The Jupiter trial results, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, studied nearly 18,000 people and found that people with normal cholesterol levels had their risk of a heart attack reduced by 54% and stroke by 48% after taking the drug.