High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is often called “silent murderer“Because it typically causes no noticeable symptoms, but significantly increases the risk of serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes. This condition results from excessive amounts of cholesterol, a fatty substance, building up in the bloodstream. Over time , cholesterol can build up in the arteries, creating blockages that impede blood flow.
This accumulation is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death worldwide. claiming almost 18 million lives every year. In the UK, cardiovascular disease accounts for around a quarter of all deaths, underlining the widespread impact of heart-related diseases.
The stealthy nature of high cholesterol increases its danger, as many people live with this condition without knowing it until they face a problem. Medical emergency that brings it to light. The only way to detect high cholesterol before it causes this type of emergency is through a blood test, which is recommended by the National Health Service (NHS) as the condition itself does not have clear symptoms.
Despite the general absence of symptoms, there are some crucial warning signs associated with the complications of high cholesterol that should not be ignored. One of these signs is the appearance of Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition characterized by the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that can severely restrict blood flow to the leg muscles. The NHS highlights the importance of recognizing PAD symptoms as they can indicate increasing risks requiring urgent medical attention.
Again, it doesn’t always show symptoms. But it can cause signs that appear on the legs.
Six of these signs, listed by the NHS, are:
- An aching pain in the legs.
- Hair loss
- Numbness or weakness
- Ulcers (open sores) on the legs, which do not heal
- Changing the color of the skin on your legs, such as becoming paler than usual or blue
- The leg muscles shrink (atrophy).
Hair loss and foot ulcers could also appear. “Symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time,” the health body says.
The most recognizable symptom of PAD is a painful leg cramp induced by walking, known as claudication. This pain usually disappears after a few minutes of rest. The discomfort can range from mild to severe and often affects both legs simultaneously, although it may be more pronounced in one leg. Other symptoms of PAD include skin on the legs that appears shiny and difficulties with erectile function.
The presence of PAD also increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease, the deadliest form of cardiovascular disease in the UK. Recognizing and treating PAD not only addresses the immediate discomfort but also reduces the risk of more serious cardiovascular complications.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, you should talk to your doctor.
To reduce your cholesterol levels, the NHS recommends:
- Eat less fatty foods
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Do more exercise
- give up smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
For those concerned about high cholesterol and its possible complications, regular exams and consultations with a healthcare provider are essential. Early detection through blood testing can lead to interventions that significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, regular exercise and, if necessary, medications, can help control cholesterol levels effectively, providing a crucial defense against the silent threat of hypercholesterolemia.