Protecting Your Lifelines: How Cholesterol Threatens Peripheral Arteries

Your heart isn’t the only muscle that needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. Your legs and arms do, too. High cholesterol can threaten these vital lifelines by causing plaque build-up in the peripheral arteries, leading to a painful and debilitating condition known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
PAD occurs when the same process of atherosclerosis that clogs coronary arteries happens in the vessels that supply blood to your limbs, most commonly the legs. The build-up of cholesterol-laden plaque narrows these arteries, restricting blood flow to the muscles.
The classic symptom of PAD is claudication: muscle pain or cramping in the legs or arms that’s triggered by activity, such as walking, and disappears after a few minutes of rest. This pain is a sign that your muscles are not getting enough oxygen to meet the demands of exercise. As the blockages worsen, the pain can occur even at rest.
If left untreated, PAD can have severe consequences. Poor circulation can lead to non-healing ulcers or sores on the feet and legs, as the tissues don’t have the blood supply needed for repair. In the most critical cases, this can lead to gangrene (tissue death), which may require amputation of the affected limb.
Managing cholesterol is a primary strategy for both preventing and treating PAD. Lowering your LDL can slow the progression of plaque build-up in your peripheral arteries, preserving blood flow to your limbs. If you experience any leg pain or cramping with activity, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor. It could be a sign that high cholesterol is threatening more than just your heart.