High Blood Lipids Warning: How to Identify Health Risks through Leg Symptoms

With the improvement in living standards, the dietary structure and eating habits of modern people have become more diverse. While food is no longer in short supply, excessive consumption of high-fat foods has placed a strain on the body, exceeding its compensatory capacity.

In the early stages, mixed hyperlipidemia often shows no obvious symptoms and is therefore easily overlooked. However, if not detected and treated in time, high blood lipids can lead to acute pancreatitis, fatty liver, diabetes, and other conditions. Additionally, the long-term accumulation of lipids in the vascular walls increases the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Hyperlipidemia can cause a variety of diseases, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, cirrhosis, and fatty liver.

 

Four Leg Abnormalities That May Indicate High Blood Lipids

Leg Pain

When blood lipids are elevated, leg pain may occur, especially after walking or exercise. In severe cases, intermittent claudication can develop, where pain eases after a few minutes of rest but recurs with activity. Some individuals with high blood lipids may also experience thickening of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle and heel, is the longest and strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. When blood lipids are excessively high, long-term lipid accumulation can cause thickening of the Achilles tendon. This results in visible roughness and swelling near the heel, and after long walks, foot pain may develop. An X-ray of the Achilles tendon can reveal clear thickening.

Abnormal Skin Color on Legs

High blood lipids can affect circulation, leading to inadequate blood supply to the legs. This can cause the skin to appear pale, and the time it takes for the skin to return to its normal color after being pressed may be significantly longer. Furthermore, high blood lipids can also negatively impact the skin’s health, causing it to become rough and dry. This is due to poor blood circulation, which prevents the skin from receiving sufficient nutrients and oxygen.

Frequent Cramps

If leg cramps or tingling sensations occur frequently and do not improve with calcium supplementation or rest, it could be a sign of high blood lipids. Elevated cholesterol levels can accumulate and irritate muscles, triggering cramps and pain.

Leg Numbness and Weakness

When blood lipids are high, they can cause narrowing and plaque buildup in the blood vessels, reducing the blood flow to the limbs. This is particularly evident when the arteries in the lower limbs are affected. Reduced blood supply to the leg muscles deprives them of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and fatigue in the legs. Additionally, leg numbness due to high blood lipids is usually bilateral and may be accompanied by dizziness and headaches. Metabolic waste buildup can also affect sensory and motor nerves.

Other Symptoms of High Blood Lipids

In addition to the leg abnormalities mentioned above, individuals with high blood lipids may experience other symptoms, including:

• Xanthomas: These are soft, yellowish or orange nodules or plaques that form under the skin due to lipid buildup. They commonly appear around the eyelids, elbows, and heels, and are usually painless and non-itchy. If yellowish spots or streaks suddenly appear on the face, hands, or palms, it may indicate high blood lipids and requires a medical checkup.
• Dizziness: Elevated blood lipids can slow down blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen reaching the brain. This can result in dizziness, especially in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Symptoms may include feeling foggy-headed upon waking in the morning, excessive drowsiness in the afternoon, and being unusually awake at night.
• Chest Tightness and Fatigue: When high blood lipids lead to coronary artery sclerosis, the heart may suffer from ischemia and hypoxia, causing chest tightness, fatigue, and other discomforts.
• Blurred Vision: High blood lipids can cause temporary vision impairment due to sluggish blood flow. Lipid buildup in the cornea can form a ring, and reduced blood circulation may result in insufficient oxygen reaching the retina, leading to blurred vision.

 

How to Manage High Blood Lipids

Control Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is an effective way to lower blood lipids. Excess body weight is associated with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Generally, individuals with high blood lipids should aim for a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 24. For waist circumference, men should keep it below 90 cm, and women should keep it under 80 cm. Achieving and maintaining these measures can significantly lower blood lipid levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

Adjust Diet

People with high blood lipids should follow a low-fat diet, ensuring that they still meet their daily nutritional needs and energy requirements. It’s crucial to limit the intake of high-fat foods such as red meat, processed foods, and baked goods rich in saturated fats. Replace these with healthier options like olive oil, which is lower in saturated fat, and fiber-rich foods that help reduce cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids found in deep-sea fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and herring), flaxseeds, and walnuts should be included in the diet. These foods provide healthy unsaturated fats and essential nutrients. Additionally, eating vegetables and fruits, especially those rich in soluble fiber like apples, citrus fruits, carrots, and sweet potatoes, can help. Reducing the consumption of sugary beverages, sweets, and refined carbohydrates such as white bread is also essential.

Quit Smoking

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the endothelial cells of blood vessels, leading to abnormal blood lipid levels and arteriosclerosis. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can also increase blood lipids, particularly triglycerides. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are essential for lowering blood lipids and protecting cardiovascular health.

Exercise Moderately

Regular physical activity can help lower blood lipids. The World Health Organization recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day, at least 3 to 5 times a week. Activities such as jogging, brisk walking, cycling, playing sports, swimming, or even jump rope are excellent options. Strength training can also be beneficial in building muscle mass, boosting metabolism, and helping with long-term blood lipid management.