An Early Sign Of High Cholesterol: Leg Cramps Or Spasms May Be The First Observable Artery Blockage Symptom

High cholesterol is known as the silent killer since it can cause major health issues including heart disease if it is not promptly identified and treated. Unfortunately, it might not always show obvious symptoms, which means you might only notice the disease after it has negatively impacted your health. There are several physical indications that should not be disregarded when there is too much cholesterol in your blood since it begins to build up in your arteries. Your legs may experience such a warning indication.

Peripheral artery disease and elevated cholesterol (PAD)

Plaque buildup in your arteries can result from untreated high cholesterol. Your arteries may get narrowed by the build-up of plaque, which is formed of cholesterol and other fatty substances. The first observable symptom, which is frequently found in the legs, is caused by constricted blood vessels, which can disturb the smooth blood flow to your body parts. Peripheral artery disease is the term for it (PAD).

Leg cramps should be taken seriously.

Peripheral artery disease is likely to present with leg cramps or spasms as its initial symptom. These take place as a result of an abrupt involuntary muscle contraction or convulsive movement.

It may have the unpleasant and painful sensation of a tensed muscle. Intermittent claudication, or leg pain and discomfort that occurs while you’re moving but disappears when you’re resting, is another symptom of PAD.

How to determine whether your cramps are an indication of PAD

There are several reasons why pain or discomfort in the legs could occur. Leg discomfort, however, can frequently be linked to PAD if it begins during exercise, disappears during rest, and then returns when you begin engaging in that activity again. Your legs may also experience numbness, weakness, weight, or fatigue from intermittent claudication.

Source: Times Of India

Also Read: Cholesterol: Ways To Deal And Avoid It