High cholesterol 'red flag' feeling in feet that 'should not be ignored'

High cholesterol, which is an excess of a waxy substance in your blood, can lead to grave health issues, including heart attacks and peripheral artery disease (PAD). These problems occur when cholesterol deposits block arteries.

While high cholesterol doesn't usually reveal itself through symptoms, complications associated with it can. PAD results from artery-narrowing due to cholesterol accumulation and may show warning signs in the feet.

According to the vascular charity Circular Foundation, certain sensations could signal the risk of foot amputation: "In some people, the disease progresses and the amount of blood able to go down the leg is not enough to supply the nutrients and oxygen to their feet."

The charity states that affected individuals might feel pain in their feet without movement, indicating a severe restriction of blood flow. Without adequate nutrients and oxygen, the skin fails to function correctly and may form an ulcer, potentially leading to limb loss: "If an individual has rest pain or skin breakdown they are at risk of losing their foot or leg by amputation."

Other signs of PAD include:

• Hair loss on your legs and feet
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Brittle, slow-growing toenails
• Ulcers (open sores) on your feet and legs, which do not heal
• Changing skin colour on your legs, such as turning pale or blue
• Shiny skin
• In men, erectile dysfunction

Preventing complications from high cholesterol involves keeping levels within a healthy range. The first step is undergoing a blood test to identify high cholesterol because it doesn’t typically present any symptoms.

The NHS recommends asking for a cholesterol test at your GP surgery if you're over 40, overweight, or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart problems. "Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high," the health service advises.

The test can be done via a blood test or other medical evaluations. If your results show high cholesterol, you'll likely be advised to make lifestyle changes to manage it.

A healthy diet is key to controlling cholesterol levels and maintaining heart health. According to Heart UK, a cholesterol charity, it's essential to strike a balance of fats in your diet.

"Too much saturated fat will raise your cholesterol. Cut down on foods high in saturated fat and replace them with foods higher in unsaturated fat," the charity recommends. Saturated fats, which are usually solid at room temperature, are commonly found in animal products and coconut-based foods.