Know the Causes and Symptoms of High Cholesterol in the Legs That Are Often Overlooked

Kapanlagi.com - High cholesterol is often a hot topic that we hear about, but did you know that its symptoms can appear in the legs? This interesting question often tickles our minds, especially when we consider the impact of cholesterol on vascular health that can affect the lower limbs.

According to information from various trusted medical sources, there is currently no scientific evidence showing a difference in high cholesterol symptoms in the legs between men and women. Both men and women can potentially experience similar symptoms. However, it is important to understand these signs so that we can be more vigilant about our health.

Let's take a look at some symptoms of high cholesterol that may appear in our legs, on Saturday (25/1).

1. Signs of High Cholesterol in the Legs

• Leg Pain: The buildup of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels can restrict blood flow to the legs, resulting in pain. This pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the blockage.
• Tingling: Nerve damage due to high cholesterol can cause a tingling sensation, especially in the toes and soles of the feet. This sensation is often described as feeling like 'pins and needles'.
• Heavy and Easily Tired Legs: Reduced blood flow to the legs can also cause them to feel heavy and the body to tire more easily, even after light activities.
• Xanthomas of the Tendons: This is a swelling around the tendons, usually in the Achilles tendon (at the back of the ankle), resulting from cholesterol buildup. This symptom is more pronounced and is often associated with familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition with very high cholesterol levels.

2. Causes of High Cholesterol

• Unhealthy diet: Consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats can increase cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower good cholesterol (HDL).
• Obesity: Being overweight triggers increased cholesterol production in the body.
• Smoking: This habit lowers good cholesterol (HDL) levels and increases the risk of plaque formation in blood vessels.
• Genetic factors: Some individuals have a genetic tendency to produce excess cholesterol.
• Age and gender: The risk of high cholesterol increases with age, especially in women after menopause.
• Certain diseases: Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic kidney disease can affect cholesterol levels.

3. The Importance of Routine Check-ups

Symptoms of high cholesterol in the legs are often difficult to recognize because they resemble other health conditions, making regular cholesterol level checks very important, especially for those with risk factors such as family history, obesity, diabetes, smoking habits, or an unhealthy diet.

The process of checking cholesterol levels is simple and painless. By knowing your cholesterol levels, doctors can provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment advice, including lifestyle changes or medication if necessary. Don't delay getting checked, as early detection and proper management can prevent serious complications in the future!

4. Consultation with a Doctor

If you experience persistent pain in your legs, tingling, or other suspicious symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately. Through a thorough examination, the doctor will help identify the cause and provide appropriate treatment. Remember, self-treatment can be risky and may worsen the condition.

Symptoms of high cholesterol in the legs can be experienced by anyone, both men and women, without clear clinical differences. Therefore, maintaining vigilance and having routine cholesterol level checks are important steps to prevent more serious health issues.

(kpl/mni)