Warning signs of high cholesterol in your feet, legs, and arms that can lead to amputation

High cholesterol is an insidious and common condition that has a number of potentially life-threatening consequences. It’s often asymptomatic, but warnings can be felt on the arms, legs, and feet

High cholesterol can be a condition that many people don’t even think about until it’s too late.

High cholesterol is the precursor to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

According to the National Institutes of Health, age is a major risk factor for the condition, but anyone who leads an unhealthy lifestyle or has a family history of high cholesterol is at additional risk.

The only way to know for sure if you’re at risk is with a blood test, but unusual sensations in your feet, legs, and arms can indicate a risk and, if ignored, potentially lead to amputation.

So what are the symptoms of high cholesterol to look out for?

Peripheral Arterial Disease

When cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels, it can become blocked, causing pain in the body.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that will eventually develop if corrective measures are not taken.

When PAD occurs, pain and discomfort is felt in the hands and feet, interfering with everyday activities such as walking.

If PAD is also ignored without taking the proper measures to remedy it, limb loss can result, leading to amputation.

risk of amputation

“PAD is the next cardiovascular epidemic,” warns Dr. Shipra Arya, an assistant professor in the Department of Vascular Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine.

“It is characterized by the same arterial stiffening and plaque build-up as heart disease.

“If blood flow to the legs is compromised because of these plaques/cholesterol deposits, it can lead to amputations.”

dr Arya recommended using statins to lower cholesterol and provide stability to these plaques so they don’t restrict blood flow to the legs.

“Hence, it can prevent amputations,” she added.

Peripheral artery disease restricts blood flow to your legs and feet.

“Walking can be painful with PAD,” says Westfield Foot and Ankle.

“You might notice cramps when you move, but they should go away with rest.

“The skin on your legs and feet can change color. In many cases, lifestyle changes can improve PAD symptoms.”

Lower your level

There are ways to lower your high cholesterol with a few simple lifestyle changes, such as:

• Reduce saturated fats in your diet
• Eliminate trans fats
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as oily fish
• Increase soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes
• Add whey protein
• The exercise
• stop smoking

who is at risk high cholesterol?

Between the ages of 20 and 39, men are at greater risk of high total cholesterol than women.

Women are more likely than men to have high blood cholesterol levels in other age groups.

Family members usually have similar cholesterol levels.

This suggests that your genes may increase your risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels.