High cholesterol is a sneaky ailment in that the internal damage is frequently not visible until it is too late. High cholesterol levels cause hardening of the arteries and blood vessels, which can cause unusual sensations in the arms and legs. What should you look for?
High cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood that helps maintain our cells healthy. LDL cholesterol, generally known as “bad” cholesterol, can accumulate within the walls of blood arteries, contributing to heart disease. When this hardening process begins, strange feelings in both the arms and legs may arise, indicating that something is not quite right.
Atherosclerosis, or artery stiffening, occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other chemicals accumulate in the artery walls.
These deposits are known as plaques, and they can constrict or totally block the arteries over time, causing issues throughout the body.
According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have atherosclerosis in the arteries leading to your brain, you may experience abrupt numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, temporary loss of vision in one eye, or drooping muscles in your face.
Atherosclerosis is a common complication of ageing. Plaque buildup narrows and stiffens your arteries as you get older. According to Medline Plus, these modifications make it more difficult for blood to flow through them.
It added: “Clots may form in these narrowed arteries and block blood flow. Pieces of plaque can also break off and move to smaller blood vessels, blocking them.
“These blockages starve tissues of blood and oxygen. This can result in damage or tissue death. It is a common cause of heart attack and stroke.
“High blood cholesterol levels can cause hardening of the arteries at a younger age.
“For many people, high cholesterol levels are due to a diet that is too high in saturated fats and trans fats.”
While weakness and numbness are not direct symptoms of high cholesterol, they can be a risk factor for the condition.
Neuropathy is more likely to occur if a person has all of the signs of metabolic syndrome, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
In fact, 60 to 70 percent of diabetics may feel some form of weakness, tingling, or numbness.
Speak with your doctor if you suspect you have atherosclerosis.
It is also critical to pay attention to early signs of poor blood flow, such as chest pain (angina), leg pain, or numbness.
Early detection and treatment can halt the progression of atherosclerosis and avoid a heart attack, stroke, or other medical emergencies.
Unfortunately, because most people do not exhibit symptoms of high cholesterol, the only way to determine blood cholesterol levels is through a blood test.
“Your GP or practice nurse will take a blood sample, usually by pricking your finger or you might be asked to go for a blood test at your local hospital,” explains the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
The BHF recommends that your blood be tested for levels of good (HDL) cholesterol, bad (non-HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of blood fat), as well as total cholesterol.
As HDL counteracts the negative effects of LDL cholesterol, it is commonly referred to as the “good” cholesterol.