High cholesterol can be described as an “invisible killer” because it paves the way for serious health problems without showing obvious signs. However, the accumulation of a waxy substance can lead to a number of complications that show symptoms. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a cholesterol-related complication that can be a sharp warning sign.
Peripheral artery disease is a disease in which plaque like cholesterol builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the head, organs and limbs.
According to the Department of Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, symptoms may include cramps in the affected leg (s) and buttocks, thighs, calves and feet, which may be relieved after rest.
Other signs and symptoms of PAD include:
- Weak or missing impulse in the legs or feet
- Sores or sores on the toes, feet or toes that heal slowly, poorly or not at all
- Pale or bluish skin color
- Lower temperature in one leg than in the other leg
- Poor toenail growth and reduced foot hair growth
- Erectile dysfunction, especially in men with diabetes.
It is worth noting that many people who have PAD do not have any signs or symptoms.
READ MORE: High cholesterol: Pain in three areas of the body signals high levels – do not “reject”
How to reduce the risk of PAD
To reduce the risk of PAD and other cholesterol-related complications, you need to keep high cholesterol levels under control.
The diet offers a reliable means of reducing high cholesterol levels.
There are several foods that are not only part of a healthy diet, they can also actively help lower cholesterol.
According to the charity Heart UK for cholesterol, the key is to reduce the consumption of saturated fats and replace some of them with unsaturated fats.
The best sources of unsaturated fats include:
- Vegetable oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil, corn oilseed rape, rapeseed oil, nut oil and seed oil
- Avocados, nuts and seeds
- Oily pastes made from vegetable oils such as sunflower and olive oil
- Oily fish.
“Oily fish is a good source of healthy unsaturated fats, especially a species called omega-3 fats,” explains Heart UK.
According to the charity, you should strive to eat two servings of fish a week, at least one of which should be fatty.
“One serving is 140 grams, but you can have two or three smaller servings throughout the week.”
Regular exercise can also have a decisive impact on high cholesterol levels.
The UK Health Guidelines say aim for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise per week.
Some good things to try when starting out include:
- Walking – Try to walk fast enough so that your heart starts beating faster
- swimming
- Cycling.
You can always try a few different exercises to find something you like to do. You are more likely to keep doing it if you enjoy it.
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