High cholesterol has earned its title of a “silent killer” since it usually goes symptomless until it’s too late. Medical experts warn that this condition can damage your cardiovascular system long before you notice any signs of it taking place. Most people don’t experience any symptoms when their cholesterol levels are too high, but over time it can increase the risk of serious health conditions later on. Luckily, there are a handful of signs you can see in your feet to give you an idea of if you’re at risk of cholesterol issues.
The Foot-Cholesterol Connection
If you’re looking for indicators for cardiovascular health go take a look at your feet. If you have high cholesterol, it eventually leads to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which can cause noticeable changes in your lower extremities. According to health professionals, monitoring foot health could be the key to early detection when it comes to underlying cardiovascular issues.
Critical Warning Sign #1: Poor Healing
A telltale indicator of potentially high cholesterol is if you have any foot ulcers that are healing slowly or incorrectly. This happens because of a cholesterol buildup in your arteries (atherosclerosis), restricting blood flow and therefore slowing healing. According to medical experts, this poor circulation can create an environment where even a minor cut or blister can be a major health concern. The NHS guidelines state that “Early intervention is crucial when dealing with non-healing wounds,“. Regular foot inspections should become particularly important if you’re an at-risk individual with diabetes, a smoking history, or a family history of high cholesterol.
Critical Warning Sign #2: Changes in Appearance
When high cholesterol starts to affect your peripheral arteries, you can see it in your feet. Two key indicators medical experts say to look for are hair loss (on your feet) and brittle, weak toenails. This is because atherosclerosis restricts vital nutrients – as well as blood flow – to your extremities. If theres less nutrients, theres less to keep your hair and toenails vibrant and healthy. The NHS emphasizes that these changes often develop gradually over time. Beyond hair and nail changes, you may notice your skin colour getting paler or appearing more shiny.. If you have a family history of high cholesterol (aypercholesterolemia), these changes may also come with swelling around your Achilles tendon.
Critical Warning Sign #3: Unexplained Discomfort
One of the most noticeable indicators of cholesterol-related peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an unexplainable ache or discomfort in your legs. This condition is called intermittent claudication, and it. usually shows up as a cramp that happens while you’re active and then goes away with rest. The discomfort comes from your narrowed arteries struggling to bring enough oxygen to your legs during exercise. The NHS reports that this pain can vary in severity and location, but your feet, calves, thighs, or hips can all be affected.
This symptom becomes more concerning when it happens during routine activities like walking or taking the stairs. An important distinction to make is that this type of discomfort is different than regular muscle fatigue or exercise-related soreness. When PAD progresses, some people may experience pain even during rest, especially at night. The pain may worsen when your feet are elevated (like when you’re in bed) because gravity isn’t able to help your already-constricted arteries pump blood to your feet. These symptoms, especially when combined with other signs of poor circulation, warrant prompt medical attention.
Additional Warning Signs
While foot symptoms are important indicators, other signs of high cholesterol may include: tendon xanthomata (swellings on knuckles or ankles), xanthelasmas (yellow lumps near eyes), and corneal arcus (pale rings around iris). These visible signs are more common in those with a family history.
Prevention and Management
Lifestyle modifications are key in managing cholesterol levels. The NHS recommends regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in unsaturated fats, and limited alcohol consumption to significantly impact your cholesterol levels. Be sure to incorporate foods like mackerel, salmon, nuts, seeds, and whole grains into your diet as well to lessen the bad and increase good cholesterol in your body.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you do notice any of these signs in your feet, don’t panic – but do schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend getting specific screening done at intervals based on age and risk factors.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
