4 signs when walking warn of high cholesterol

Plaque buildup in the artery walls causes blood vessels to narrow and harden. When exercising, such as walking, abnormalities in the blood vessels can lead to problems with movement, according to the health website Verywellfit (USA).

Leg cramps when walking can be a warning sign of high blood cholesterol

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When blood cholesterol levels are high, patients will experience the following symptoms when walking or exercising:

Shortness of breath

Feeling short of breath when walking can be a sign of high levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol. High LDL causes plaque to form in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. This condition is called coronary artery disease.

When the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen, even light activity like walking can cause shortness of breath. This is a sign that the heart is working too hard to pump blood throughout the body. If left untreated, coronary artery disease can lead to a heart attack.

Cold hands and feet

One of the symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is cold hands or feet when walking or exercising. The disease occurs when fatty deposits build up in the peripheral arteries, especially those that carry blood to the limbs, causing insufficient blood flow.

When you walk, your muscles need more blood. However, if there is not enough blood, your hands and feet will feel cold, numb, or pale. Peripheral artery disease is often associated with high cholesterol levels in the blood. If left untreated, people with this condition face a higher risk of stroke and heart attack.

Leg cramps

Frequent cramps or pain in the calves when walking are a hallmark sign of peripheral artery disease. When blood vessels in the legs become narrowed by plaque, they do not supply enough blood to the muscles that move them, causing pain, numbness, cramping or a burning sensation, especially in the calves, thighs or buttocks. Symptoms often improve with rest but return if you continue walking.

extreme fatigue

Feeling extremely tired when walking is an indirect sign that the heart is not working properly. One of the common causes is the negative effects of high cholesterol over a long period of time.

Because when blood vessels are narrowed by plaque, the heart has to work harder to pump blood, causing energy consumption and making the patient quickly exhausted, even with just light activity, according to Verywellfit .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/4-dau-hieu-khi-di-bo-canh-bao-cholesterol-cao-185250405135345623.htm