Contents
- PAD – what it is and how it is related to too high cholesterol
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: pain in the legs
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: nocturnal foot cramps
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: changes in the skin of the legs
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: change in the color of the skin on the legs
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: cold feet
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: wounds are difficult to heal
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: numbness
- A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: necrosis
- PAD – diagnosis and treatment
High cholesterol is most often associated with atherosclerosis, and therefore also with coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke. However, not everyone has heard of PAD, a disease of the peripheral arteries. Over 200 million people around the world can struggle with it. Many people don’t even know they have it. The symptoms of PAD vary depending on the location of the lesions, but are often in the legs. What may indicate PAD, and therefore too high cholesterol? Know the eight signals.
- The higher the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, the greater the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, mainly heart attack
- About 20 million Poles may have hypercholesterolemia. Most do nothing to lower their cholesterol levels too high
- The consequence of too high cholesterol in the blood is atherosclerosis, which in turn leads to PAD (Peripheral arterial disease) – peripheral arterial disease
- PAD symptoms may appear in the area of the lower extremities – in the text we explain what to look for
- You can find more such stories on the Onet homepage.
Too high cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia) is the bane of our time. In 2020, it was estimated that this condition affects almost 20 million Poles. Worse still, most do nothing to lower it, and only a few are treated successfully. – Most Poles still disregard hypercholesterolaemia because it does not cause any discomfort for a long time. Many people feel well and see no need for treatment – emphasized prof. Jankowski from the Institute of Cardiology Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow.
Doctors still remind that the higher the concentration of cholesterol in the blood, the greater the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases, mainly heart attacks. It is also more likely to have a stroke, and above all, atherosclerosis that leads to these diseases.
Atherosclerosis is the build-up of cholesterol in the inner walls of your arteries and the formation of plaque. They lead to the narrowing of the arteries and tissue ischemia. Meanwhile, without enough oxygenated blood, tissues and organs cannot function.
The result of atherosclerosis, and thus directly too high cholesterol in the blood, is also PAD (Peripheral arterial disease) – a disease of peripheral arteries. The risk of its occurrence increases with age (people 50+ are already at increased risk), it is also favored by stress, lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, as well as among others. diabetes, high blood pressure (140/90 and higher), family history of heart / circulatory disease.
It is estimated that over 200 million people worldwide may struggle with peripheral arterial disease. Moreover, many people are unaware of their disease.
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PAD can affect vertebral, carotid, renal, mesenteric arteries, and arteries of the upper or lower extremities. Symptoms depend on the location of the disease. It is worth knowing that the symptoms caused by the gradual narrowing of the lumen of the affected vessel initially appear at the time of increased blood demand, but over time they also manifest themselves at rest. What symptoms in the legs might be about developing PAD? We present eight of them.
A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: pain in the legs
A common symptom of PAD (in other words, a symptom that indicates narrowing or obstruction of the arteries caused by severe atherosclerosis) is discomfort in the legs. Patients describe it as a feeling of heavy, weak, tired legs, some report sharp pain that disappears when resting (known as intermittent claudication).
Initially, the discomfort appears during walking or other activities, then also while resting. They can affect one or both legs and appear around the calves, thighs, and sometimes also the buttock.
Do you have high cholesterol? Start taking care of yourself! Drink Pankrofix regularly – a herbal tea that supports the functioning of the liver and bile ducts, and also helps to regulate cholesterol in the body.
A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: nocturnal foot cramps
During the night of rest, people with peripheral arterial disease may experience foot cramps – most often occurring in the heel, forefoot, or toes.
In the opinion of Dr. Darren Schneider, director of the Center for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of the Presbyterian Hospital in New York, you may find relief when you sit down or position your leg so that it hangs over the edge of the bed (gravity will help blood flow to your feet).
A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: changes in the skin of the legs
Due to the impeded blood supply, the affected area of the body does not receive enough nutrients. This can result in the hair becoming thinner, regrowth more slowly, and so will nails. The skin on the legs can become taut and shiny. Dr. Darren Schneider emphasizes that all of these symptoms usually occur simultaneously.
Do you smoke cigarettes, are you overweight and do not move much? Check blood cholesterol levels. The “Cholesterol control – blood lipid metabolism tests” test package will help you with this – you can do them in the Diagnostics network at over 500 points all over Poland.
A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: change in the color of the skin on the legs
Due to the obstructed blood flow, the lifted limb turns pale, as do the feet and toes (in some patients they may turn a bluish color). If, on the other hand, we sit down and the limb is upright, the color may turn reddish or even purple.
A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: cold feet
Cold or cool to the touch legs or feet may indicate the development of PAD. However, it is worth remembering that this is a fairly common symptom and cannot be taken for granted. However, if you feel that one leg or foot is cold and the other is not – consult your doctor.
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A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: wounds are difficult to heal
In people with more advanced disease of the peripheral arteries, limited circulation may result in painful ulcerations in the feet, toes and heels that are difficult to heal. Wounds can also appear on the outside of the ankle. These are the so-called arterial / ischemic ulcers. These forms of ulcers can take months to heal and require appropriate treatment to prevent infection and further complications.
A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: numbness
Numbness or weakness in the legs and feet may signal that PAD is developing. “Some patients say their legs are weakening and feel like giving up, some feel numb,” says Dr. Schneider, noting that when not only walking or exercising, but also at rest, these discomforts tend to indicate a more severe form of PAD.
A symptom that may indicate too high cholesterol and the development of PAD: necrosis
About 80 percent. PAD patients have relatively mild symptoms. However, as Dr. Schneider points out, there are also some sufferers who experience “extreme” symptoms.
Chronic limb ischemia can lead to necrosis and even gangrene. The changes can gradually affect, for example, the entire foot, even leading to amputation.
PAD – diagnosis and treatment
If you have any of these symptoms or are at risk, consult your doctor – remember, PAD means you are more likely to have a heart attack and stroke.
In the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease and in the visualization of atherosclerotic changes, the following methods are used: radiological imaging techniques, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound.
As for the treatment – a lot depends on the severity of the disease. Quitting smoking, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity are certainly necessary to reduce symptoms and slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Pharmacotherapy is also the mainstay of treatment – thanks to medications, the risk factors for PAD (e.g. high blood sugar, hypertension, high cholesterol) are kept under control.
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In advanced disease, it may be necessary, for example, to treat vasoconstriction by surgery.
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