High cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced in the liver that helps build healthy cells. However, the levels must be kept under control. High cholesterol is associated with serious complications such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is signaled by pain in three areas of the body.
PAD is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. As the Mayo Clinic explains, PAD is often caused by atherosclerosis. In atherosclerosis, fatty deposits such as cholesterol build up on the walls of the arteries and reduce blood flow.
According to < i>American Heart Association (AHA), cramping pain in the hips, thighs, or calves when walking, climbing stairs, or exercising may signal PAD.
AHA continues :
“PAD pain often resolves when you stop exercising, although this may take a few minutes. Working muscles require more blood flow. Resting muscles can get by with less.”
Other symptoms of PAD include:
- Wounds on the feet or toes that do not heal or heal very slowly
- Gangrene or dead tissue
- A marked decrease in the temperature of the lower leg or foot compared to the other leg or the rest of the body
- Poor toenail or hair growth on my feet
- Erectile dysfunction, especially in men with diabetes
As the AHA explains, “many people consider leg pain to be a normal sign of aging.”
“You might think it's arthritis, sciatica, or simply “stiffness” due to aging. For an accurate diagnosis, consider the source of your pain. Leg pain in PAD occurs in the muscles, not in the joints.”
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American Heart Association (AHA)
Health
A non-profit organization in the United States that sponsors medical research in cardiology, health education projects, and promotes appropriate medical care to reduce heart disease-related disability and death.