Peripheral artery disease can be triggered by high cholesterol.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — High cholesterol usually does not cause symptoms. However, if this condition has triggered damage to the arteries, some symptoms such as a burning sensation and pain in the toes can appear.
These symptoms can occur when cholesterol High blood pressure has led to a blood flow problem known as peripheral artery disease or peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is a condition in which blood flow to the hands or feet is decreased due to narrowed arteries.
Although it can affect the hands, the lower extremities such as the feet tend to be more susceptible to PAD. The reason is that the lower extremities require a higher volume of oxygen.
When PAD hits the feet, sufferers may experience pain and a burning sensation in the toes. These symptoms appear because the area of the foot is not receiving enough oxygen.
“Symptoms of severe PAD can involve burning or pain in the feet and toes at rest, especially at night when lying down,” the Cleveland Clinic says. ExpressThursday (9/6/2022).
In general, PAD will only cause mild symptoms in the early stages. These symptoms will get worse along with the worse the condition of PAD if not treated.
In the early stages, symptoms that may appear are claudication or pain in the legs when walking that appears intermittently. These symptoms will appear when physical activity is done.
Another symptom of PAD that often occurs at night is leg cramps. These cramps are often most felt in the heel area or the front of the foot.
“Oxygen-deprived muscles (because the arteries are narrowed) under obstruction, generally the calves, may cramp, feel more painful, or feel heavy and tiring, forcing walkers to stop or limping,” says Harvard Health.
If it gets worse, PAD symptoms can appear even when the body is not active. This happens because the lack of blood supply occurs consistently.
Over time, PAD can increase the risk of developing non-healing sores in the foot area. When it has entered the most severe stage, PAD can make these wounds that do not heal develop into dead tissue or gangrene.
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