Balihow – High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a condition characterized by excessively high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
If left unaddressed, high cholesterol can lead to a range of health complications, including stroke and heart disease.
This is because high cholesterol can cause narrowing or blockages in the blood vessels that carry blood to the legs, abdomen, and arms, a condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms of high cholesterol, including those that can be felt while walking.
Read also: 4 Diabetes Symptoms You Might Notice While Walking
Symptoms of High Cholesterol While Walking
Here are seven symptoms of high cholesterol that you might experience while walking:
1. Leg Pain
One of the early signs of high cholesterol affecting circulation is leg pain, often linked to PAD.
According to TimesofIndia, as cholesterol accumulates, arteries become narrower, reducing the oxygen supply to the muscles.
This can result in pain in the calf, thigh, or buttocks, especially during walking or climbing stairs.
The pain usually subsides with rest, as the muscles’ oxygen demand decreases.
However, if the condition worsens, the pain may even be felt at rest.
2. Tingling
Poor blood circulation can cause tingling or numbness in the feet and toes, especially during physical activity like walking.
Nerves require oxygenated blood to function efficiently. When cholesterol buildup narrows or blocks the arteries, nerve function is impaired.
If left untreated, this can develop into chronic tingling, nerve damage, or even tissue necrosis in severe cases.
3. Cramps
Leg or arm cramps can also indicate poor blood circulation.
This cramping or aching sensation is caused by an insufficient blood supply to meet the increased needs of muscles during physical activity.
As the narrowing or blockage of arteries worsens, individuals may experience this pain after walking shorter distances or even while resting.
Read also: What Fruits Can Help Lower High Cholesterol? Here Are 5 Options
4. Extreme Coldness
Poor circulation due to high cholesterol can cause one lower leg or foot to feel colder than the other, particularly during or after walking.
This is because narrowed arteries restrict blood flow, limiting the distribution of warmth.
Consequently, the affected foot may feel significantly colder to the touch compared to other body parts.
Chronic coldness is a sign of advanced PAD and shouldn’t be ignored, as it can indicate extensive arterial blockage.
5. Muscle Weakness
Arterial narrowing caused by cholesterol can lead to weakness in the leg muscles.
This manifests as difficulty walking, balancing, or even standing for extended periods.
Muscles constantly rely on the oxygen and nutrients transported by the blood. When this supply is inadequate, muscle function is compromised.
Over time, persistently poor circulation can lead to muscle atrophy, making individuals more prone to falls and generally less mobile, especially in older adults or those with other risk factors.
Read also: What Vegetables Can Help Lower High Cholesterol? Here’s a List
6. Changes in Foot Color
Changes in the color of the feet or legs, appearing paler or even bluish-purple, can indicate high cholesterol.
This discoloration results from reduced oxygen-rich blood reaching the skin, a direct consequence of poor circulation caused by cholesterol plaque buildup.
When arteries narrow, oxygen delivery is insufficient, and the skin responds with discoloration.
In extreme cases, this can lead to cyanosis, where tissues appear blue due to oxygen deprivation.
If the color change persists or worsens, it may indicate critical limb ischemia, a severe complication of PAD requiring immediate medical intervention.
Therefore, preventative foot examinations and early diagnosis are crucial to avoiding worse complications.
7. Chest Pain While Walking
Experiencing chest pain or discomfort while walking can be a sign of high cholesterol.
High LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup. This can cause angina, a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood.
If you experience pressure, tightness, or pain in your chest while walking, you should seek immediate medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.
Read also: This Supplement Can Lower the Risk of High Cholesterol Due to Genetic Factors
Causes of High Cholesterol
Lifestyle factors and genetics both play a role in causing high cholesterol.
According to the ClevelandClinic, lifestyle factors include:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Excessive stress or inability to manage it
- Alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
- Diets high in cholesterol-raising compounds.
Read also: Ginger, Lemongrass, and Lime Infused Water Claimed to Be Effective for Treating Cholesterol, Expert Says This
Ringkasan
High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, can lead to serious health issues like stroke and heart disease due to the narrowing of blood vessels. One condition resulting from this is peripheral artery disease (PAD), making it crucial to recognize its symptoms, particularly those noticeable while walking. These symptoms include leg pain, tingling, cramps, extreme coldness in the legs or feet, muscle weakness, changes in foot color, and chest pain.
These symptoms occur because high cholesterol restricts blood flow to the legs and feet. Reduced blood flow leads to less oxygen reaching the muscles and nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Changes in foot color indicate severe oxygen deprivation, and chest pain can signal underlying heart problems. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and a poor diet all contribute to high cholesterol levels.