A lesser-known symptom in the leg could be a tell-tale sign of a dangerous health condition, experts have warned. This red flag could mean you are at greater risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High cholesterol is a condition that occurs when an excessive amount of cholesterol builds up in the arteries. Over time this can narrow and harden the arteries, making it difficult for blood to pass through.
In its early stages, high cholesterol, which is also known as hypercholesteremia, doesn’t typically present with any symptoms.
Many people may not realise they have it until they have a blood test or experience an associated health problem.
However, there can be some warning signs that should prompt you to seek medical help. In a recent article for its online magazine Heart Matters, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) shared what to look out for.
“Plaques take a long time to build up, so people with clogged arteries may not have any symptoms for many years,” it said. “But once the plaque gets big enough, the artery can become so narrow that not enough oxygen-rich blood can get through.
“This can cause pain or discomfort, especially during exercise.” According to the BHF, if the arteries in your legs become “clogged” by cholesterol you may experience pain in your legs.
This is known as claudication and is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The NHS describes PAD as a “common” condition.
This can lead to a “painful ache” in the legs when you walk, which “usually disappears after a few minutes’ rest”, the health body further explains. If you have PAD, you might also notice:
- 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 paler than usual or blue – this may be harder to see on brown and black skin
- Shiny skin
- In men, erectile dysfunction
- The muscles in your legs shrinking (wasting)
The NHS adds: “The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time. If your symptoms develop quickly, or get suddenly worse, it could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment.”
A major risk of both high cholesterol and PAD is blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. “But the biggest risk is if the plaque ruptures (breaks off) and the blood flowing through the artery forms a blood clot around it, which blocks your artery,” the BHF says.
“If a blood clot forms in the coronary arteries, this will cause a heart attack. And if it happens in an artery supplying blood to your brain, such as the carotid arteries in the neck, it will lead to a stroke.”
To prevent high cholesterol, the NHS recommends:
- Eating less fatty foods
- Quitting smoking
- Cutting back on alcohol
- Exercising regularly
If you experience any symptoms of PAD or are concerned about your cholesterol levels, you should speak to your GP.
