The unusual symptom of high cholesterol that shows up in your legs and proven methods to lower it

Although high cholesterol is mostly symptomless, signs can occasionally occur in the body. One unlikely indication of high cholesterol can be found on your Achilles tendon.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance which can be found in the blood and in all cells of the body, and although it is important for good health, high levels of the substance can increase the risk of heart disease. This is because cholesterol can stick to the inside of your arteries and increase blockages which can result in in stroke or heart attack.

Unfortunately, high cholesterol can be difficult to spot, making it particularly cunning.

Read more: Just one thing can help reverse cholesterol levels and reduce heart attack risk

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Although high cholesterol is mostly symptomless, signs can occasionally be spotted. One unlikely indication of high cholesterol can be found on your Achilles tendon.

In most instances, a blood test is necessary to diagnose high cholesterol due to the lack of symptoms.

Elevated cholesterol levels are mainly a result of lifestyle choices and can only be accurately identified through a blood test administered by a medical professional. However, it is still recommended to watch out for these signs on your feet.

Symptoms in your feet may be caused by high cholesterol causing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The NHS defines PAD as a prevalent issue in which fatty buildups accumulate in the arteries, limiting the flow of blood to muscles in the legs. This is also referred to as peripheral vascular disease.

Although ordinarily PAD does not present any symptoms, those with high cholesterol may notice unusual pains or aches in their legs, or issues with their feet including foot ulcers that don’t heal properly, brittle toenails, and hair loss on your feet.

Decrease your chances of high cholesterol and PAD by adopting healthy habits like maintaining a nutritious diet, participating in regular physical activity, giving up smoking, and moderating alcohol intake.

The NHS recommends substituting unsaturated fats for saturated fats to reduce cholesterol levels. Choose foods such as mackerel and salmon, nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables, and whole grain carbs like bread, rice, and pasta.

Keep in mind that the symptoms listed above may not indicate high cholesterol specifically, as they could stem from a variety of causes. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to seek a check-up with your GP.

Those who are diagnosed with high cholesterol are encouraged to make lifestyle choices, such as the ones listed above, which will reduce elevated levels of cholesterol.

Doctors have reported that even a small amount of exercise can reduce cholesterol levels that could increase your risk of a heart attack. Researchers have discovered that prolonged sitting in childhood can result in a notable increase in cholesterol levels, potentially causing heart issues and premature death in adults.

Yet new studies indicate that these risks can be reversed through low-intensity physical actions like walking or regular household tasks, eliminating the necessity for drugs such as statins.

Elevated cholesterol levels during youth are connected with early indications of heart problems in aging adults and increase the chances of premature deaths from heart disease in the future.