High cholesterol: Nutritionist reveals top prevention tips
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High cholesterol is where you have too much cholesterol – a fatty substance – circulating in your blood. High levels of cholesterol raise your risk of heart disease by clogging up your arteries.
When cholesterol levels remain in an unhealthy range, peripheral artery disease may develop causing problems with the feet.
According to Harvard Health, foot pain is one of the most common symptoms.
“At first, it’s most troublesome when the leg is elevated, particularly in bed at night,” explains the health body.
It continues: “But if the disease progresses, the pain can become constant and is no longer relieved by sitting or standing.
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Occasionally, high cholesterol levels can give rise to xanthoma – a condition in which fatty growths develop underneath the skin.
According to the health body Vascular Health Clinics, these lesions may crop up on the tendons of the toes.
They most commonly grow in the Achilles tendon, however, notes the health body.
“Achilles tendons are the most common sites of tendon xanthomas,” explains a study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease.
Tendon xanthomas are cholesterol deposits in tendons.
They appear as slowly enlarging papules or subcutaneous nodules attached to tendons.
According to the study researchers, “Achilles tendon thickening is the early characteristic of Achilles tendon xanthomas”.
In most cases, a blood test will be required to diagnose high cholesterol due to an absence of symptoms.
“Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high,” explains the NHS.
“This may be because of your age, weight or another condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes),” notes the health body.
Ask your GP surgery for a cholesterol test if you have not had a test before and you’re over 40, overweight, or high cholesterol or heart problems run in your family.
Lowering high cholesterol levels is the first-line defence against complications relating to mobility is affected.
Lifestyle changes can help improve your cholesterol — and boost the cholesterol-lowering power of medications.
A few changes in your diet can reduce cholesterol and improve your heart health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most important countermeasures is to cut back on saturated fat.
Saturated fats are found primarily in red meat and full-fat dairy products.
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