Elevated Cholesterol Can Cause Peripheral Arterial Disease: Signs in the Legs Elevated cholesterol levels are seen by doctors as a factor in several health problems, including peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

PAD is a disease whose development is closely related to the accumulation of cholesterol deposits in the arteries, which limits the normal blood supply.. Many physicians consider PAD to be a form of cardiovascular disease, as their risk for this problem begins to rise substantially.. The longer a person lives with an uncontrolled and untreated PAD, the greater the chance that one day they will suffer from a heart attack, experts emphasize.

Peripheral artery disease occurs in the extremities, most commonly in the legs.

“Signs of peripheral arterial disease often develop slowly. Their rapid development or sudden worsening could be a sign of a serious problem requiring immediate treatment,” said NHS health officials..

According to them, with PAD, cholesterol plaques begin to multiply on the walls of the arteries of the legs, and their accumulation leads to the development of atherosclerosis of the extremities.. Some sensations in the legs are signs of this dysfunctional process.. Here's what experts advise to pay attention to.

There is pain in the legs while walking, which can range from mild to severe, but resolves in a few minutes when the legs are allowed to rest..

The pain syndrome often affects both legs at the same time, although pain can intensify only in one limb.

Hair loss on legs and feet.

The person feels numbness or weakness in the legs.

Toenails become brittle, grow slowly.

Skin lesions that occur on the limbs do not heal for a long time.

People who smoke or have diabetes have the highest risk of developing peripheral artery disease due to reduced blood flow.

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