Hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol, is a potentially deadly condition characterised by an excess of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in your blood.
While it may not initially cause problems, over time it can heighten your risk of serious health complications – including heart attacks and strokes.
The accumulation of cholesterol can obstruct arteries, preventing proper blood flow. This poses a significant threat for cardiovascular disease, which claims nearly 18 million lives worldwide each year.
In the UK, cardiovascular disease is responsible for approximately a quarter of all deaths.
The most concerning factor is that high cholesterol often presents no symptoms; therefore, it frequently goes undiagnosed. Most people only discover they have high cholesterol levels after experiencing a medical emergency related to it or if their GP performs tests, reports Gloucestershire Live.
As stated by the NHS: “High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.”
However, there are certain alarming signs that could be crucial if detected early. One such sign is the onset of a condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common condition where fat deposits in the arteries restrict blood flow to the leg muscles, according to NHS guidelines.
While PAD doesn’t always present symptoms, it can cause noticeable signs in the legs. The NHS has identified six such indicators, including hair loss and foot ulcers.
The health body explains: “The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time. If your symptoms develop quickly, or get suddenly worse, it could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment.”
Among these symptoms, a painful ache when walking is most prevalent.
According to the NHS, this pain usually subsides after resting for a few minutes. The discomfort can vary from mild to severe and typically eases after resting your legs for a few minutes.
“Both legs are often affected at the same time, although the pain may be worse in one leg.”
Additional symptoms of PAD can include shiny skin and erectile dysfunction. Having PAD also heightens the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death among cardiovascular diseases in the UK.
If you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels, it’s advised to consult with your doctor. To reduce your cholesterol levels, the NHS suggests.
