Six signs of silent killer condition that can first show symptoms in your legs

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A warning has been issued over a health condition that's not to be taken lightly, dubbed the "silent killer".

Hypercholesterolemia arises from having an excessive amount of cholesterol in your blood. While this may not initially pose any problems, over time it can escalate your risk for several severe health issues - including heart attacks and strokes. The dangerous build-up of cholesterol in the arteries results in blockages and hinders blood circulation. This is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which causes nearly 18 million deaths worldwide each year.

Here in Britain, cardiovascular disease is associated with about a quarter of all fatalities. Perhaps most concerningly is the fact that high cholesterol is often a symptomless condition, meaning it can often go by undiagnosed, reports the Express. Quite often, people are oblivious to their high cholesterol levels until the occurrence of an associated medical crisis or upon examination by their GP.

According to NHS: "High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test." Nonetheless, there are some telltale signs that could potentially save lives if detected promptly. An example includes the development of a condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

As per the NHS explanation, PAD is a prevalent condition where fatty deposits increase in the arteries that consequently "restricts" blood provision to leg muscles. While it doesn't always show symptoms, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can cause signs that manifest in the legs. The NHS lists six such signs, including hair loss and ulcers on the feet.

"The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time," says the NHS. "If your symptoms develop quickly, or get suddenly worse, it could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment." The most common sign is a painful ache when walking, which "usually" disappears after a few minutes' rest. "The pain can range from mild to severe, and usually goes away after a few minutes when you rest your legs," adds the guidance. "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. PAD is also linked with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death among cardiovascular diseases in the UK. If you're worried about your cholesterol levels, you should consult your doctor. To lower your cholesterol levels, the NHS recommends:

• Eating less fatty food
• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Exercising more
• Stopping smoking
• Cutting back on alcohol.