The condition known as high cholesterol has been given the nickname “silent killer” due to the fact that it typically does not present any symptoms until it is too late to treat. When it comes to the cardiovascular system, this issue can cause harm long before you detect any evidence of it taking place, according to medical professionals. Although the majority of people do not exhibit any symptoms when their cholesterol levels are very high, an elevated cholesterol level might, over time, increase the likelihood of developing serious health concerns in the future. You are in luck since there are a few indicators that may be observed in your feet that can provide you with an indication of whether or not you are at danger for dealing with cholesterol difficulties.
The Relationship Between Cholesterol and Foetus
In the event that you are seeking for indicators that indicate the health of your cardiovascular system, you should examine your feet. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition that can produce significant changes in your lower extremities. If you have excessive cholesterol, it should eventually progress to PAD. When it comes to identifying potential cardiovascular problems at an earlier stage, doctors and other medical professionals believe that monitoring the health of the feet could be the key to early identification.
First and foremost, a critical warning sign: poor healing
In the event that you have any foot ulcers that are healing slowly or wrongly, this is a cautionary sign that you may have excessive cholesterol. When this occurs, it is due of atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. This causes blood flow to be restricted, which in turn slows down the healing process. This poor circulation can create an atmosphere in which even a tiny cut or blister can become a serious health risk, as stated by medical professionals by the authorities in the field. According to the instructions provided by the National Health Service (NHS), “Early intervention is crucial when dealing with non-healing wounds.” If you are a person who is at risk having diabetes, a history of smoking, or a family history of high cholesterol, it is especially crucial that you have your feet inspected on a regular basis.
Changes in Appearance, which is the second very important warning sign
If you have excessive cholesterol and it begins to impact your peripheral arteries, you will notice that it is manifesting in your feet. Hair loss (on your foot) and brittle, fragile toenails are two important symptoms that medical professionals recommend looking out for. The reason for this is that atherosclerosis makes it more difficult for important nutrients and blood to reach your extremities by restricting blood flow. For your hair and toenails to remain vibrant and healthy, there will be fewer nutrients available if there are fewer nutrients. According to the National Health Service (NHS), these shifts frequently occur gradually over the course of time. It is possible that, in addition to changes in your hair and nails, you will also see that your skin color is becoming yellower or more shiny. It is possible that swelling around your Achilles tendon will accompany these changes if you have a family history of hypercholesterolemia, which is a condition characterized by elevated cholesterol levels.
Discomfort that cannot be explained is the third critical warning sign.
When you have an unexplainable soreness or discomfort in your legs, this is one of the most visible signs that you may be suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) from cholesterol. Intermittent claudication is the name given to this condition, and it typically manifests itself as a cramp that can occur during physical activity but disappears when the individual rests. The soreness is caused by your arteries becoming more constricted, which makes it difficult for them to provide sufficient oxygen to your legs when you exercise. Your feet, calves, thighs, or hips may all be impacted by this discomfort, according to the National Health Service (NHS), which states that the severity and location of this pain can vary.
When occuring during actions that are considered to be routine, such as walking or ascending the stairs, this symptom becomes more problematic. This form of discomfort is separate from everyday muscle tiredness or the soreness that is associated with exercise, which is a crucial distinction to make. Individuals who are experiencing progression of PAD may have pain even when they are resting, 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 when you are now lying in bed. It is imperative that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible since these symptoms, particularly when accompanied with other indications of poor circulation, merit it.
There are further cautionary signs.
Tendon xanthomata, which is characterized by swellings on the knuckles or ankles, xanthelasmas, which are yellow lumps near the eyes, and corneal arcus, which are pale rings around the iris, are some of the other signs of high cholesterol. Foot symptoms are crucial markers. Those who have a history of the condition in their family are more likely to exhibit these obvious indications.
Strategies for Preventing and Managing
Changing one’s lifestyle is essential in order to successfully manage cholesterol levels. To have a major impact on your cholesterol levels, the National Health Service (NHS) suggests engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet that is abundant in unsaturated fats, and consuming a limited amount of alcohol. As part of your diet, you should be sure to include foods such as mackerel, salmon, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. This can help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your body while simultaneously increasing the amount of good cholesterol.
When to Seek Medical Attention and When Not to
In the event that you do see any of these symptoms in your feet, you should not get very concerned; however, you should make an appointment with your healthcare professional. In accordance with age and risk factors, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends getting certain screenings performed at intervals that are determined by the individual.
