Understanding Cholesterol and Its Link to Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Cholesterol has gotten a bad rap not only because of its association with heart disease but also because it is silent about how it affects different parts of the body. But what most of us need to know is that not all cholesterol is bad. There are two types of it, the first is “good” cholesterol and the second is “bad”. The bad kind can lead to many diseases, including peripheral artery disease (PAD).
In this regard, and for further clarification, the specialized medical website “onlymyhealth” published a report in which a consultant cardiologist, Jaideep Menon, at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, revealed how high cholesterol affects the body and its association with PAD, and the symptoms that can appear in the legs.

How does high cholesterol affect the body?

According to Dr. Menon, cholesterol is a type of fat that is naturally produced by the liver and found in some foods. Its functions include producing hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that aid digestion. However, too much cholesterol can be dangerous and increase your risk of heart disease.
“Cholesterol is transported in the blood by lipoproteins, which are made up of proteins and fats,” Menon explains. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called the bad cholesterol because it can increase your risk of coronary artery disease by contributing to the buildup of fatty deposits or plaques in your arteries. It can simply lead to its blockage. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is good cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. So having too much LDL cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. While high levels of HDL cholesterol may be protective against these conditions. Therefore, it is important to maintain healthy levels of both types of cholesterol.

Association between high cholesterol and peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the leg and foot become blocked, mainly due to a buildup of fatty deposits called plaques.
“Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol can build up in artery walls, forming narrowing and atherosclerotic plaques,” says Menon. And over time, this narrowing can limit blood flow to the legs and feet, causing pain and other symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease.

Signs of peripheral arterial disease in the feet

Symptoms of PAD can vary in people, depending on the severity of the condition. They may include:

Pain or cramping in the legs or feet, especially during physical activity or exercise, also known as claudication
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Feeling of cold or tingling in the legs or feet
Wounds on the feet or legs that do not heal or heal very slowly
Weak or absent pulse in the feet or legs
Constant leg or foot pain even when the person is resting

How to reduce the risk of high cholesterol

Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to lower your cholesterol:

Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein.
Avoid foods rich in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods and fatty meats
Exercising regularly: Brisk walking, running, cycling or swimming can help increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.
Maintain a healthy weight
– Quit Smoking
Control stress
Get regular cholesterol checks: The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all adults age 20 and older get their cholesterol checked every four to six years as long as their risk remains low.

High cholesterol is a silent disease that usually doesn’t cause any symptoms, which is why it’s often difficult to track. And the key is to be aware. Priority should be given to having regular health check-ups, testing your cholesterol levels and keeping them in good shape with healthy foods.