Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver and has many important health benefits, such as hormone production and cell membrane construction. High cholesterol levels in the blood mean that you have too much harmful cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Harmful cholesterol clings to the insides of arteries, increasing the risk of blockages that can lead to heart attacks. When arteries become blocked due to cholesterol, this often represents the first warning signs, and when this blockage occurs in the arteries outside the heart, it is referred to as peripheral artery disease, which commonly occurs in the legs.
Although there are typically no physical signs at all, there are certain symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease. While patients with high cholesterol should remain vigilant at all times, certain signs should be addressed as soon as possible.
According to the British newspaper Express, these signs include:
- Painful cramps in the legs
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Slow hair growth on the legs
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot on one side
- Weak pulse in the legs
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will discuss ways to lower it, which may include changing your diet or increasing the amount of exercise you do. There are many foods that not only form part of a healthy diet but can also actively help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. The optimal approach is to reduce saturated fats and replace some of them with unsaturated fats.
Saturated fats are found in many foods, both sweet and savory, and most of them come from animal sources, including meats and dairy products, as well as some plant-based foods. Instead, opt for unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils like olive oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, canola oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados.
