RAISING so-called ‘good’ cholesterol by blocking a key protein involved in its metabolism does not protect against heart disease or stroke, according to a new study which Oxford University helped to conduct.

The large genetic study involved 150,000 Chinese adults.

Researchers at Oxford University, Peking University and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences worked together to arrive at the findings.

Study author Dr Iona Millwood, from Oxford University, said: “Our research has helped clarify the role of different types of cholesterol.”

Prof Zhengming Chen, study co-author at Oxford University, added: “This study demonstrates the value of large biobank studies with genetic data linked to health records, carried out in diverse global populations, to predict the potential benefits or harms of new drug treatments.”

The full paper is in the journal JAMA Cardiology.