High levels of “bad” cholesterol contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries and heart and vascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. And no signs of it can be ignored.
Peripheral artery disease sometimes causes pain in the legs, especially when walking. The pain can range from mild to severe and suddenly appear when standing and walking. It usually goes away a few minutes after rest. Both legs may be affected at the same time due to poor blood circulation from the heart to the legs, although the pain may increase in one leg.
In addition to leg pain, signs of peripheral artery disease also include:
- Hair loss on the legs
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Brittle and slow-growing nails
- Ulcers on the legs and feet that do not heal
- Pale or blue skin on the legs
- Leg muscle spasms
Sometimes the symptoms of peripheral artery disease can be a sign of a serious health problem requiring immediate treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if you experience pain in your legs when walking or any other signs of ZPA in your legs, as mentioned above. Even if you do not have any signs of high cholesterol, it is recommended to take a blood test. Sometimes you may have high cholesterol, but symptoms won’t appear until it’s too late.
Fortunately, there are various practical lifestyle modifications that reduce cholesterol levels. Medications prescribed by a doctor can help control cholesterol. Switch to a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Give up all kinds of processed and packaged foods. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, such as sausages, cookies and cheese, or consume them in reduced quantities. Daily exercise is also essential for a healthy body and a healthy heart. Quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol will lower cholesterol levels.
