High Cholesterol: 6 Warning Signs in Legs That Indicate Increased Cholesterol Levels

Bad cholesterol levels have become commonplace in adults these days. But when your legs start showing these symptoms, it’s time to get your cholesterol levels checked.

Is your cholesterol too high? You must control your cholesterol levels. These are some common questions that become a common topic of conversation when discussing health issues. What is cholesterol actually? It is a wax-like substance that is produced by the liver. The fact that cholesterol can’t dissolve in water also doesn’t flow through the bloodstream, leading to further health complications.

High cholesterol over time can damage arteries, contribute to heart disease, and increase the risk of stroke. Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries can disrupt the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our cells. According to Healthline.com, the liver produces most of the cholesterol in the body. The rest comes from the type of food we eat. There are two types of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – This is the “bad” type of cholesterol, not healthy. LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries and form fatty, waxy deposits called plaques.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL)– This is the “good” and healthy type of cholesterol. It transports excess cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, which removes it from the body.

High cholesterol: warning signs that appear in the legs

There are no direct signs or symptoms that indicate high cholesterol levels. However, when certain signs in different parts of the body persist for a long time, it is a tell-tale sign to get checked out.

Here are some signs that can appear on your extremities that indicate an increase in cholesterol level:

1. Leg cramps: Do you have frequent leg cramps? This can be a warning sign from your extremities that it’s time to get your LDL levels checked. Spasms or leg cramps can occur due to damaged arteries.
2. Cold feet? The winter season requires having cold feet all day. But when you can get cold feet for no reason, that could also be another warning sign of high cholesterol.
3. Change in skin color: Due to reduced blood circulation, there is a chance that a person with high cholesterol will develop yellow-colored deposits near the lower legs.
4. frequent numbness: Increased cholesterol reduces blood flow, which often causes a tingling sensation and numbness in the legs. Sometimes it makes it hard to walk. And frequent numbness or tingling sensations should be controlled immediately.
5. Unexplained leg pain: When the LDL level is high, the waxy substance can block optimal blood flow to different parts of the body. This can cause unnecessary leg pain even when someone walks a short distance.
6. Delayed healing: When wounds don’t heal at their usual rate, that could be cause for concern.

High Cholesterol Lifestyle Tips to Help Lower It

1. It is imperative to check your cholesterol level from time to time. Blood tests can only reveal the LDL or HDL statistic
2. Maintain a balanced body weight
3. Stop smoking.
4. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day for 5 or more days a week.
5. Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients like vegetables, lean protein, fiber, nuts.
6. Avoid foods high in sugar, such as candy, soda, and fruit juice.