Having high cholesterol – or hypercholesterolemia – means there is too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood. While this may not initially cause any issues, over time it can raise your risk for a number of serious health problems.
This is because the cholesterol can build-up in the arteries leading to blockages, preventing blood from getting through. It is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death around the world, responsible for nearly 18 million fatalities annually.
The UK is no exception to this trend, with cardiovascular disease linked to around a quarter of all deaths.
Unfortunately for most people having high cholesterol is a symptomless condition, earning it the title of a “silent killer”.
Many people will not realise they have high cholesterol until after an associated medical emergency or if they get their levels tested by a doctor.
The Cleveland Clinic, in the US, explains: “High cholesterol doesn’t cause any symptoms for most people.
“You could be a marathon runner and have high cholesterol. You won’t start to feel any symptoms until the high cholesterol causes other problems in your body.”
However, there are a few telltale signs that could prove lifesaving if spotted early.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, leg cramping can be one sign of high cholesterol.
This means that the cholesterol has built up to such a level that it has caused a plaque build up in the arteries known as atherosclerosis.
If this occurs in vessels in the legs or arms, it is called peripheral artery disease (PAD) – a condition that causes leg cramps when “moving around”.
This cramping should set off alarm bells as it means the vessels are already heavily blocked.
“PAD is dangerous because it often causes no symptoms,” the clinic explains.
“You might finally start to feel symptoms when a peripheral artery is at least 60 percent blocked. A key symptom is intermittent claudication.
“This is a leg cramp that starts up when you’re moving around but then stops when you rest. It’s a sign of reduced blood flow caused by the growing plaque in your artery.”
If you have PAD, it might not just be your legs that are affected.
The clinic continues: “PAD can cause major problems in your legs and feet but also elsewhere in your body.
“That’s because all your blood vessels are connected through your cardiovascular system. So, plaque buildup in one area slows down your whole network of ‘pipes.’”
Having PAD is also associated with a greater risk of coronary heart disease, which is the biggest cause of death among cardiovascular disease in the UK.
If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels you should speak to your doctor.
To lower your cholesterol levels the NHS recommends: