A symptom on the legs was called a sign of high cholesterol

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), also known as a circulatory disorder, hardening of the arteries can lead to reduced blood flow to the arms, legs, head, and stomach. Caused more often by high cholesterol, it gradually changes the skin on the legs.

According to The Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (Surgical Center, Missouri, USA), the most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) inside an artery. The least common causes of PAD include infection or inflammation of the blood vessels, exposure to radiation, and injury to the hands and feet.

What skin changes are we talking about?

The symptoms and severity of peripheral artery disease vary, but one of the most common signs is a change in skin color and texture. With reduced blood flow, there is increased pressure in the arteries, which leads to inflammation of the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to sores, rashes, sores, and other skin problems.

Doctors emphasized that changes in the skin occur gradually. Most of them appear on the feet and bones.

“At first, these may be mild changes – a feeling of coolness of the skin to the touch, its dryness and itching. Nails begin to grow slowly. There is a decrease in hair growth on the legs as the tissues begin to die,” experts said.

They noted that with a moderate severity of the disease, redness and swelling appear, skin pigmentation and induration may occur.

Severe changes are ulcers on the bones, feet and toes, as well as slowly healing skin lesions.

“The most serious complication is gangrene, tissue death due to lack of blood flow,” the doctors explained.

  • Age: As a rule, poor circulation develops in people over 60 years of age.
  • Previous trauma can impair the body’s ability to circulate blood.
  • Lack of exercise can lead to poor blood flow.
  • Obesity can increase the chance of skin problems due to increased pressure on blood vessels.
  • Smoking can interfere with the ability of blood vessels to carry blood.
  • Gender may also be a risk factor, as women have a higher incidence of peripheral artery disease than men.

Signs and symptoms to look out for

In many cases, people with PAD have no symptoms, so it is often difficult to identify the condition. However, if a person undergoes such changes, an appointment with a doctor should be made:

  • Eczema or rash.
  • Hyperpigmentation – darker areas of the skin. They can develop due to insufficient supply of blood and oxygen to the skin.
  • Reduced hair growth on the legs and feet.
  • Brittle nails on slow growing feet.
  • Itching.
  • Glowing skin.
  • Change in skin color, such as turning blue or pale.
  • Dry skin, cracks.
  • Ulcers on the legs or feet that may bleed and heal slowly.

Treatment of skin diseases PAD

  • Doctors noted that there is no cure for PAD, but the manifestation of the disease can be reduced. For this you can:
  • To give up smoking.
  • Exercise regularly (walking is one of the best forms of exercise).
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Follow a healthy diet.
  • Reduce alcohol intake.
  • Control blood sugar levels.

It is also recommended, at the slightest suspicion of PAD, to undergo an examination by a specialist.

As reported by GLOBAL HAPPENINGS, experts named products that can lower cholesterol.

Source: Obozrevatel

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