High cholesterol is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it steadily increases the risk of heart disease without warning. However, symptoms may appear if cholesterol deposits build up in the arteries. One clear sign of this process can occur at night.
High cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in your blood, a waxy substance made in the liver. Among other things, high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Unfortunately, high cholesterol rarely causes symptoms on its own.
However, when the buildup of cholesterol deposits narrows the arteries, it can cause a variety of symptoms.
“This process is called peripheral arterial disease. Many people with PAD have mild or no symptoms. However, some people may experience muscle pain or cramps in the legs or arms,” says cardiologist Oleg Varfolomeev.”If peripheral arterial disease worsens, pain may occur while resting or lying down. Pain may interrupt sleep. Dangling legs over the edge of the bed or walking may temporarily relieve pain.”
The cardiologist listed other symptoms:
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially compared to the other side
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- No or weak pulse pulse in the legs or feet
- Painful spasms in one or both thighs, thighs, or calf muscles after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.
- Shiny skin on the legs
- Discoloration of the skin on the feet
- Slow growth of toenails
- Ulcers on the toes, feet or legs that do not heal
- Pain with use of the hands, such as pain and cramps when knitting, writing, or doing other manual tasks
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of or slow hair growth on the legs
Symptoms of High Cholesterol: Warning Sign “near the Nose”
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