Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to function properly. Lipoproteins are small round particles made of lipids (fats) and proteins that carry cholesterol throughout your body through your blood. Lipoproteins include LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is bad, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is considered ‘good cholesterol’
The body needs cholesterol to build cells, produce hormones, and maintain nerve health. While the body tries to keep serum cholesterol at a certain level, cholesterol levels can get too high, especially as we age. Higher cholesterol levels themselves do not make people sick. However, high cholesterol levels form plaques that stick to the walls of arteries and other blood vessels. These cholesterol plaques narrow blood vessels and eventually block blood flow. Worse yet, they can loosen and partially or completely block a blood vessel as a blood clot. The resulting reduced blood flow can be devastating and can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Symptoms of high cholesterol are often non-existent and high cholesterol levels can usually only be diagnosed through a blood test. However, excess cholesterol circulating in the blood can lead to a build-up of fat in the liver, which can lead to symptoms.
What symptoms on your legs can help you detect high cholesterol early?
Here are 5 signs of high cholesterol that you can look for in your legs:
1. Xanthomas
Xanthomas are yellow, fatty lumps that can appear on the skin, usually around joints such as the knees, elbows or even on your legs. They form when too much cholesterol in the blood leads to a build-up of cholesterol in the skin. These lumps are often a visible sign of high cholesterol.
2. Leg pain or cramps
High cholesterol can lead to narrowing of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. When arteries become blocked by fatty deposits, blood flow to the legs is reduced, leading to symptoms such as pain, cramping or heaviness in the legs, especially after walking or exercising. This condition is called intermittent claudication and is a warning sign of cardiovascular problems related to high cholesterol.
3. Cold or numb legs
When cholesterol builds up and narrows blood vessels, it can affect blood flow, leading to poor circulation. This can cause your legs to feel cold or numb, especially in cold weather or after sitting for long periods of time. This is a sign that blood is not reaching your limbs, and cholesterol can cause this blockage.
4. Shiny skin on the legs
If your cholesterol levels are high and your blood circulation is poor, this can lead to shiny skin on the legs, especially around the shins. This shiny skin is often the result of reduced oxygen supply to the tissues due to narrowed arteries.
5. Varicose Veins
High cholesterol can also lead to varicose veins. These swollen, twisted veins can become more visible under the skin, especially in the legs. While varicose veins are often related to weak valves or pressure in the veins, high cholesterol can make the condition worse.
How to treat early signs of cholesterol?
Controlling the early signs of high cholesterol often starts with lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, diet changes, and weight loss can help bring your LDL levels into a healthy range.
In some cases, if lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications such as statins may be prescribed to lower LDL and reduce the risk of complications. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or niacin can also help control cholesterol levels. Check in with your health care provider regularly to make sure your cholesterol levels remain stable over time.
