An unhealthy diet rich in fats and lack of physical activity cause a number of health problems, including high cholesterol, and the most dangerous thing about cholesterol accumulation is that it does not cause symptoms in the beginning until it reaches a dangerous level and begins to affect your daily life, when it rises The level of cholesterol in the blood to an extreme level, it begins to affect your legs, according to the “Times of India” website.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver to form cell membranes, vitamin D, and balance hormones. Since it is insoluble in water, cholesterol is transported to various parts of the body through a particle called a lipoprotein, which has a specific protein on its surface only when cholesterol combines with High-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein content of low-density lipoprotein formation (LDL), it is harmful to the body.
This problem arises when your diet is rich in unhealthy fatty foods and on top of that, you lead a sedentary life.LDL) build up in the arteries, blocking and narrowing them, which, over time, can lead to a heart attack and stroke.
How can symptoms of high cholesterol in the legs occur
The most dangerous thing about cholesterol buildup is that the condition has no symptoms until it reaches a dangerous level and begins to affect your daily life, and the only way to diagnose and prevent it is to have a regular blood test.
When your cholesterol level rises to an extreme level, it starts affecting the Achilles tendon in your legs which in turn can lead to visible symptoms in your legs. Here are some things you need to look out for:
Leg pain
When the arteries in your legs are blocked and not enough oxygen-rich blood reaches the bottom, it can make your legs feel heavy and tired.
Most people who suffer from high cholesterol levels complain of burning pain in the lower extremities, and some may feel pain in any part of the leg, such as the thighs or legs, and the patient feels pain mainly when walking, even for a small distance.
Leg cramps
Severe leg cramps when sleeping is another common symptom of high cholesterol levels that damage the arteries of the lower extremities. Cramps are often felt in the heels, forefoot or toes that get worse at night while you sleep.
Change in the color of the skin and nails
Reduced blood flow can also change the color of the toenails and skin, mainly because the cells are not getting proper nutrition due to the reduced blood flow that carries nutrients and oxygen, the skin will become shiny and taut and the toenail may thicken and grow slowly.
cold feet
High cholesterol levels can keep your feet cold all year round. Even in the summer, your feet will feel cold to the touch.