High cholesterol is sometimes referred to as a “silent killer” due to the fact that it typically does not present any symptoms until it is already too late to treat. Specialists in the field of medicine advise that this disorder might cause damage to your cardiovascular system even before you become aware of any symptoms of the ailment. In the majority of cases, individuals do not exhibit any symptoms when their cholesterol levels are very high; however, this can, over time, raise the likelihood of developing serious health concerns in the future. Fortunately, there are a few indicators that can be observed in your feet that can provide you with an idea of whether or not you are at risk for cholesterol-related problems.
The Connection Between Cholesterol and Foot
If you are seeking for signs that indicate the health of your cardiovascular system, you should see what your feet look like. Having high cholesterol can eventually develop to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can cause significant changes in your lower extremities. If you have high cholesterol, you should take this into consideration. When it comes to identifying potential cardiovascular problems at an earlier stage, monitoring the health of the feet may be the most effective way to do so, as stated by professionals in the medical field.
Inadequate Healing is the First Critical Warning Sign
In the event that you have any foot ulcers that are healing slowly or wrongly, this is a warning sign that you may have excessive cholesterol. The accumulation of cholesterol in your arteries, also known as atherosclerosis, causes this condition. This condition restricts blood flow, which in turn slows down the healing process. According to the opinions of professionals in the medical field, this lack of circulation can produce an atmosphere in which even a tiny cut or blister can become a significant health risk. When it comes to dealing with wounds that are not healing, the instructions provided by the NHS suggest that “Early intervention is crucial.” Regular foot examinations should become especially crucial if you are a person who is at risk for developing diabetes, if you have a history of smoking, or if you come from a family with a history of experiencing high cholesterol.
Alterations in Appearance, the Second Most Important Warning Sign
Once your peripheral arteries begin to be affected by excessive cholesterol, you will be able to observe the symptoms in your feet. The loss of hair (on your feet) and the development of brittle and fragile toenails are two significant symptoms that medical professionals recommend looking for. This is due to the fact that atherosclerosis affects an individual’s ability to receive necessary nutrients and blood flow to their extremities. If there are less nutrients, there will be fewer nutrients to maintain the vitality and health of your hair and toenails. The National Health Service (NHS) highlights that these changes frequently occur gradually over the course of time. You might also notice that your skin color is becoming paler or that it is becoming more shiny, in addition to changes in your hair and nails. These changes may also be accompanied by swelling around your Achilles tendon if you have a family history of hypercholesterolemia, which is a condition that is characterized by elevated cholesterol levels.
A third critical warning sign is discomfort that cannot be explained.
An aching or pain in your legs that cannot be explained is one of the most obvious signs that you may be suffering from peripheral artery disease (PAD) that is caused by cholesterol deposition. This ailment is known as intermittent claudication, and it typically manifests itself as a cramp that occurs during physical activity and then disappears when the individual does not engage in any physical activity. During activity, your constricted arteries are having a difficult time delivering sufficient oxygen to your legs, which is the source of the discomfort. According to the National Health Service (NHS), the intensity and location of this discomfort can vary, however it can manifest itself in locations such as your feet, calves, thighs, or hips.
In situations where this sensation occurs during actions that are considered to be routine, such as walking or ascending the stairs, it becomes more problematic. The fact that this kind of discomfort is distinct from typical muscle tiredness or exercise-related soreness is an essential difference to make for the purpose of this discussion. During the progression of PAD, some individuals may have pain even while they are at rest, particularly during the night. Because gravity is unable to assist your already constricted arteries in pumping blood to your feet, the discomfort may become even more severe when your feet are elevated, such as while you are lying in bed. In particular, when these symptoms are paired with additional indications of poor circulation, it is imperative that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
Further Warning Signs and Symbols
Other signs of high cholesterol may include tendon xanthomata, which represents swellings on the knuckles or ankles; xanthelasmas, which are yellow lumps near the eyes; and corneal arcus, which is characterized by pale rings around the iris. Foot problems are major indicators of high cholesterol. It is more likely that those who have a family history may exhibit these obvious indicators.
Management and Preventative Measures
Making changes to one’s lifestyle is essential for controlling one’s cholesterol levels. To have a major impact on your cholesterol levels, the National Health Service (NHS) suggests the following: regular exercise, a balanced diet that is rich in unsaturated fats, and moderate intake of alcohol. Be sure to include foods such as mackerel, salmon, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet as well. This will help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your body while simultaneously increasing the amount of good cholesterol.
When Do You Need to Seek Medical Attention?
Do not become very concerned if you observe any of these symptoms in your feet; however, you should make an appointment with your healthcare physician as soon as possible. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute suggests that individuals undergo specialized screenings at intervals that are determined by their age and the risk factors they are exposed to.