Cholesterol has become the byword for cardiovascular problems but not all forms of cholesterol are bad. In fact, a certain amount of cholesterol is essential for supplying energy, building the structure of cell membranes, making certain hormones and helping your metabolism work efficiently. However, having too much low density lipid cholesterol (LDL) in your blood causes blockages in the arteries and increases the risk of heart problems or stroke.
Unfortunately, high LDL cholesterol levels are not typically accompanied by symptoms.
“It is a hidden risk factor, which means it happens without us knowing,” explained Doctor Rodney Foale, Consultant Cardiologist at the Harley Street Clinic, part of HCA Healthcare UK.
However, “if left untreated, over time high cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis – where arteries become blocked with fatty substances called plaques – which can result in heart attack and stroke”, the doc warned.
This can lead to a number of serious complications, which give rise to a slew of unsettling symptoms.
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According to Doctor Foale, the process of atherosclerosis caused by consistently high cholesterol levels can sometimes lead to “serious (and often fatal) problems”.
“Critical limb ischaemia” falls into this category, he said. Critical limb ischaemia occurs if the blood flow to the legs becomes severely restricted.
According to Doctor Foale, three signs of this cholesterol complication can show up on your feet.
Signs to spot include:
- A severe burning pain in your feet that continues even when you’re resting
- Wounds and ulcers (open sores) on your feet that do not heal
- The skin on your toes or lower limbs becoming cold and numb, turning red and then black, and/or beginning to swell and produce smelly pus, causing severe pain (gangrene).
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Other signs include your skin turning pale, shiny, smooth and dry, and loss of muscle mass in your legs, said Doctor Foale.
“If you think you’re developing symptoms of critical limb ischaemia, you should contact your GP urgently for diagnosis,” the doc advised.
How to ward off the threat of cholesterol complications
Doctor Foale said: “If treated, through adopting a healthy lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet, doing regular exercise, or medication, high cholesterol levels can be reduced and doesn’t always lead to any serious issues.”
According to the doc, cholesterol lowering drugs known as statins are the current standard of treatment and are commonly used in addition to these lifestyle changes.
“At present, they can only be prescribed by specialist cardiologists that are experts in this field, so it’s really exciting that we are able to do this.”
Foods to lower high cholesterol
“To reduce your cholesterol, try to cut down on fatty food, especially food that contains a type of fat called saturated fat,” advises the NHS.
The health body continued: “You can still have foods that contain a healthier type of fat called unsaturated fat.”
Try to eat more:
- Oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
- Brown rice, bread and pasta
- Nuts and seeds
- Fruits and vegetables.