Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. While your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, excess cholesterol can lead to the development of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Over time, these deposits make it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL):Often called bad cholesterol, it contributes to fatty buildup in your arteries.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL):Known as good cholesterol, it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your blood.
Balanced levels of these are important for maintaining heart health.
What are the common signs of high cholesterol in the feet?
Here are 11 common signs of high cholesterol in the feet:
1. Unusual swelling in the feet
One of the first signs is unexplained swelling in the feet. The buildup of cholesterol leads to inflammation and fluid retention, making the feet appear larger than normal. The swelling may be accompanied by pain, tenderness to the touch, or even red streaks on the skin, which are signs of ongoing vasculitis. Don’t ignore it if you regularly notice one leg swelling more than the other.
2. Pain and tingling at rest
A dull ache, numbness, or tingling in the feet, especially at night or when you’re resting, can be a sign of poor circulation due to narrowed arteries. High cholesterol reduces the amount of blood that supplies the muscles and nerves, causing a burning, tingling sensation that sometimes radiates down to the feet or toes.
3. Skin discoloration on the legs
A less noticeable sign is an unusual discoloration of the skin on the legs, especially a pale yellow or bluish-purple hue. These areas often feel hotter or warmer than other areas. This is due to blocked blood vessels that prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching the tissues, causing ischemia and a change in skin color.
4. Dry and flaky skin
When the legs do not receive enough blood, the skin becomes dry and flaky in small patches. Even regular moisturizers have difficulty improving this condition, as the problem lies in the lack of blood flow to nourish the skin tissue. This is a typical sign that the blood vessels that supply the skin have been affected by high cholesterol.
5. Skin ulcers that do not heal
A more serious sign is the appearance of small ulcers on the legs or feet that do not heal for a long time, even if you do not have diabetes. These ulcers are often painful, itchy, and can become infected if not cared for properly. This is a warning sign that blood flow to the damaged area is not enough to repair the tissue, and is most likely a direct result of atherosclerosis.
6. Cramping during exercise
A sharp, cramping pain in the calf muscles when you walk a short distance or climb stairs can be a sign that not enough blood is being pumped to the muscles. Especially if the cramps subside when you rest, this is almost certainly a symptom of peripheral artery disease due to high cholesterol.
7. Cold feet
Even in warm weather, your feet may feel unusually cold, especially in the feet and toes. This occurs when poor circulation is not able to keep the lower limbs warm. Sometimes, one leg is much colder than the other, which requires immediate medical attention as it can be related to a serious blockage in the blood vessels.
8. Prominent or Dilated Veins
High cholesterol can also contribute to varicose veins in the legs, which can cause them to appear bulging, twisted under the skin, and appear blue-purple in color. This is a result of blood flow being blocked back to the heart, putting pressure on the vein walls. Although varicose veins can have many causes, high cholesterol is a potential risk factor that should not be ignored.
9. Weakness in the legs, difficulty walking
If you start to feel weak in your legs, lose your balance, or can’t stand for as long as you used to, think about circulation. Narrowed blood vessels can’t supply enough oxygen to the muscles, causing them to weaken, especially in older people or those with a sedentary lifestyle.
10. Thickened and hardened skin on the legs
Some people may notice that the skin on their legs is getting thicker and appears hard and less elastic. This can be a sign of cholesterol buildup in the skin, leading to a fibrotic reaction in the tissue. This condition is often accompanied by localized swelling or discoloration of the skin.
11. Numbness and loss of sensation
Numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the soles of the feet is a clear sign that the nerves are not receiving enough blood. This is not only uncomfortable, but also increases the risk of falls or injuries because you cannot feel the ground or sharp objects. If this symptom occurs frequently, it is likely that cholesterol is damaging your peripheral nervous system.
