High cholesterol can be shown by six little-known signs in your legs
A potentially fatal condition, elevated cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia involves having an excess amount of a fatty substance called cholesterol in the blood. Initially, it may seem harmless, but over time, it can heighten the risk of severe health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol build-up can lead to blocked arteries, which impede proper blood flow and significantly increase the danger of cardiovascular diseases—responsible for nearly 18 million deaths around the globe each year. In the UK, cardiovascular disease is the cause of approximately a quarter of all deaths.
The most concerning issue is that high cholesterol typically doesn't manifest any symptoms, leading to many cases going unnoticed until a related medical emergency occurs, or during GP-administered tests. The NHS confirms this silent nature of the condition: "High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test."
Nonetheless, there are specific alarming signs that, if spotted early, could be lifesaving. One such sign is the onset of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is a common affliction where fat deposits in the arteries obstruct the blood supply to leg muscles—a problem the NHS states clearly "restricts" circulation to these muscles.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) may not always present symptoms, but it can cause signs that appear in the legs. The NHS has identified six such signs, including hair loss and foot ulcers.
"The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time," the health body advises. "If your symptoms develop quickly, or get suddenly worse, it could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment." Among these signs, an aching pain when walking is the most common.
This discomfort "usually" subsides after a few minutes' rest, says the NHS. The pain can vary from mild to severe and typically eases after resting your legs for a few minutes. "Both legs are often affected at the same time, although the pain may be worse in one leg."
Other symptoms of PAD can include shiny skin and erectile dysfunction. Having PAD also heightens the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death among cardiovascular diseases in the UK.
If you're concerned about your cholesterol levels, you should consult your doctor. To lower your cholesterol levels, the NHS recommends