A 'foot doctor' has warned that symptoms of high cholesterol can appear on the feet - especially during the night. David R. Sullivan said the condition can be seen in a number of ways, Coventry Live reports.
The Daily Express reported that he said: "Burning toe and foot pain, specifically at night, could be a warning sign of high cholesterol levels." He went on to give an explanation, saying: "This pain could indicate atherosclerosis, a build-up of plaque that forms in your blood vessels, preventing blood from flowing freely."
"Unlike the pain of everyday wear and tear, this high cholesterol warning sign found in the feet will burn or ache while you’re resting in bed," he added.
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"This is a sign that your extremities aren’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood."
Those who are have such symptoms should ask their doctor for an immediate blood cholesterol test. This is because, if left untreated, too much cholesterol can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
In a worst-case senior, PAD can be 'life threatening' according to Emily McGrath, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation. "PAD usually affects the legs – it can often lead to leg pain when walking and, in severe cases, gangrene and even amputation," she noted.
Signs of PAD can be 'cramp-like pain' during exercise as well as ulcers, persistent pain and gangrene in the feet.
"Blood flow can also be checked using a Doppler test," said McGrath. "A Doppler test is used to compare blood pressure at the ankle as a ratio to blood pressure in the arm."
She stated a "normal ratio" would be "0.9 to 1.1" whereas a person with PAD will have a ratio below 0.9. A duplex ultrasound would then reveal "here and how severe the narrowings in your arteries are".
Those who have PAD have up to "five times" higher risk of a heart attack compared to those who do not have the condition. There are preventative measures to reduce the risk but seek advice from a doctor to discuss individual needs.
People who want to lower their cholesterol levels should exercise more frequently and eat fewer fatty foods among other lifestyle changes, the NHS recommends.
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