High cholesterol levels in the body can lead to cardiovascular disease, artery disease, and stroke. Because of the lack of symptoms, high cholesterol is often referred to as the silent killer. People commonly associate extra weight or body fat with high cholesterol, but there are additional warning signs to be aware of.
Peripheral artery disease can limit or prevent blood flow to your limbs, also known as extremities, which include your arms, legs, and pelvis. Lower extremity PAD, which affects the legs and feet, is the most frequent kind of PAD. As a result, it is important not to ignore these symptoms and to get medical attention if you notice them.
7 Signs of High Cholesterol in Legs should not be ignored:
Cold feet and legs: Even in the summer, high cholesterol levels can cause your feet or legs to become cold or chilled. This could be an indication of PAD. If you feel that one leg or cold is too cold but not the other, this could be a sign that you should see your doctor.
Leg Pain: A typical symptom of PAD is leg pain. The discomfort can occur with or without exertion and is most commonly felt in the calves, but it can also occur in the buttocks, feet, or thighs.
Skin Color Change: A decrease in blood flow caused by excessive cholesterol can also change the color of your skin. This is because the cells are not receiving adequate food as a result of poor blood flow transporting nutrients and oxygen.
Intense Leg Cramps: People with PAD may experience cramps or spasms in their legs while sleeping, most typically in the heel, forefoot, or toes. When sleeping at night, the situation worsens. It can be relieved by shaking your foot or sitting.
Leg or Foot Ulcers Leg or foot ulcers are unhealed sores or open wounds on the legs or feet. These ulcers might reoccur if not treated. This is frequently caused by poor blood circulation, and if ulcers do not heal quickly, it may indicate that high cholesterol is cutting off blood flow to your legs.
Muscle Pain During Exercise: Muscle pain, which can include aching, cramping, numbness, and weariness, is a typical symptom of PAD. It can also happen when walking or doing physical exercise.
Thick Toenails: If you have PAD, you may notice changes in your toenails. Poor blood circulation caused by narrowed or obstructed arteries supplying blood to the feet might cause nail changes over time. Nails may be thicker, misshapen, or discolored.
If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you should see a doctor very once. To lower harmful cholesterol levels, he may encourage you to make changes to your food and lifestyle. Medication can also be prescribed if necessary.
Source:In