High cholesterol: Six red flag signs that can appear in your legs

Elevated cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a potentially deadly issue where there's an excess of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can ramp up your risk of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Cholesterol build-up can clog your arteries, stopping your blood from flowing like it should. This puts you in the danger zone for cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for nearly 18 million deaths around the world every year. In Ireland, cardiovascular disease is responsible for close to two in five deaths.

The real kicker is that high cholesterol often doesn't wave any red flags; it tends to fly under the radar, leading to many cases going unnoticed, according to a report by the Express. Most folks only find out their cholesterol levels are off the charts after a health scare related to it or if their GP runs some tests, reports Wales Online.

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As per the NHS: "High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test."

But there are a few tell-tale signs that could be game-changers if spotted early. One such sign is when you develop a condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is a common condition where the arteries' fat deposits obstruct blood supply to the leg muscles, restricting blood flow to the legs.

While it often doesn't show symptoms, PAD can cause signs that manifest in the legs. The NHS lists six such signs, including hair loss and ulcers on the feet. "The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time," says the health body. "If your symptoms develop quickly, or get suddenly worse, it could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment."

Among these signs, a painful ache when walking is the most common. It "usually" subsides after a few minutes' rest, according to the NHS. The pain can range 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."

Other symptoms of PAD can include shiny skin and erectile dysfunction. Having PAD also increases the risk of coronary heart disease, among the leading cause of death among cardiovascular diseases in Ireland.

If you're worried about your cholesterol levels, you should consult your doctor. To lower your cholesterol levels, the HSE recommends:

Eating a healthy, balanced diet that's low in saturated fat Exercising regularly Not smoking Cutting down on alcohol

More information on keeping your cholesterol low is available on the HSE website.

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