Three 'persistent' signs of high cholesterol that show in the feet
25.06.2022 - 18:39
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
High cholesterol can slow or even block the delivery of blood around your body and can result in a stroke or heart problems.
'Bad cholesterol' or LDL cholesterol can cling to the inside of arteries, raising the risk of a blockage which could cause a heart attack.
Often it is caused by eating too many foods high in fat, as well as drinking alcohol and not exercising enough according to NHS guidance.
While there are a number of ways to identify high cholesterol levels, there are some warning signs that show up in your feet, the Express reports.
These symptoms in particular may help you identify peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition caused by a build-up of fatty deposits inside your arteries that often concentrate in the feet.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) explains: "When the blood flow becomes worse, the body can’t deliver enough blood, nutrients and oxygen to the skin and soft tissues.
"This usually occurs in the feet, as they are furthest from the heart."
Signs include:
Pain
Ulcers
Gangrene.
According to the BHF, this is known as critical limb ischaemia, and rapid treatment is essential to have a chance of saving the leg.
Other symptoms of PAD can include:
Hair loss on your legs and feet
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Brittle, slow-growing toenails
Ulcers (open sores) on your feet and legs, which do not heal
Changing skin colour on your legs, such as turning pale or blue
Shiny skin
In men, erectile dysfunction
The muscles in your legs shrinking (wasting).
Keeping high cholesterol levels at bay is the best buffer against PAD and other cholesterol-related complications, such as heart attack.
Initially, the most important tip is to get a formal diagnosis of high cholesterol.
The general lack of symptoms means a blood test is