High cholesterol warning as six leg symptoms could be sign of 'silent killer'

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The NHS has warned that there are six symptoms of high cholesterol which can appear in the legs. The condition, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is where there's too much of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood.

Over time this can increase your likelihood of developing serious health issues including heart attacks and strokes. The build-up of cholesterol can block arteries, keeping blood from flowing through properly resulting in deadly consequences.

It poses a significant risk for cardiovascular disease which results in nearly 18 million deaths globally each year. In the UK, cardiovascular disease accounts for roughly a quarter of all fatalities, The Express reports.

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It often shows no symptoms meaning that patients can live without knowing there is a potentially silent killer lurking in their body. Most individuals only become aware they have elevated cholesterol levels following a medical crisis associated with it or if their GP runs tests.

There are certain alarming hints that could prove critical if noticed early on. One such indicator is the development of a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is a widespread condition where the arteries' fat deposits obstruct blood supply to the leg muscles which "restricts" circulation to the leg muscles.

While it doesn't always show symptoms, Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can cause signs that manifest in the legs.

The NHS lists these as:

  • A painful ache in the legs
  • Hair loss
  • Numbness or weakness
  • Ulcers (open sores) on your legs, which do not heal
  • Changing skin colour on your legs, such as turning paler than usual or blue
  • The muscles in your legs shrinking (wasting).

A spokesperson for NHS added: "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 painful ache when walking is the most common symptom. This "usually" subsides after a few minutes' rest.

The pain can range from mild to severe and typically eases after resting your legs for a few minutes. The NHS adds: "Both legs are often affected at the same time, although the pain may be worse in one leg."

PAD symptoms can include shiny skin and erectile dysfunction. Having PAD also increases the 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.

According to the NHS : "High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test."

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