While not all cholesterol is harmful, what is known as “bad” is what puts you most at risk for health problems. “High levels of bad cholesterol can cause plaque, a condition that causes clogging of blood vessels, especially arteries,” said Monika Wassermann, medical director of Olio Lusso.
Once your blood vessels are blocked and narrowed, the supply of blood and oxygen to your heart and brain will also be affected.
This can lead to blood clots, strokes or heart attacks, Ms Wassermann said.
However, these are not the only health problems caused by high cholesterol.
The accumulation of fat can also cause a disease known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). But that doesn’t happen without your body ringing the alarm.
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One way to detect this condition is to look at your toenails and toes, Ms. Wassermann said.
He shared that the telltale sign of PAD includes a pale tone in these areas.
He said: “PAD, which is characterized by the deposition of fat in the blood vessels, inhibits the smooth circulation of essential nutrients and blood, resulting in pale toenails or toes.”
The expert also listed other accompanying signs that may be a clue. He continued: “When you notice that your toenails take longer to grow and look brittle, it can be a symptom of early warning of high cholesterol.
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“Try to look for other accompanying signs, such as burning sensations in the feet, pale skin, reduced leg muscle, slow healing wounds, numbness, dryness and redness in the toes or legs.”
According to the NHS, other symptoms of PAD include:
- Hair loss in the legs and feet
- Ulcers (open sores) on the feet and legs, which do not heal
- Glossy skin
- In men, erectile dysfunction.
The health service points out that the pale color is not the only color that can be detected in the legs, as the skin can also turn blue.
How To Reduce High Cholesterol Levels
From lifestyle adjustments to medicine, there are many different measures that can help lower your levels.
Wassermann said: “I recommend exercising regularly, limiting the consumption of foods high in unhealthy fats, taking statins, controlling body weight and limiting alcohol or smoking to lower cholesterol levels.”
As the expert suggested, a cholesterol-lowering diet focuses on reducing saturated fats: think about cookies, cheese, and cold cuts.
However, your doctor will tell some people to take a medicine called statins to keep their levels under control and prevent further problems.