High cholesterol: Dry skin on the leg could be a sign of high levels – ‘Contact a GP’

High cholesterol is the precursor of serious health problems, ranging from heart disease to strokes. The condition is mainly caused by a series of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as a fatty diet and drinking alcohol. Although high cholesterol rarely causes symptoms, there are some signs linked to it.

The lack of blood flow to your legs can sometimes lead to a condition known as critical limb ischaemia (CLI).

Classed as “extremely serious”, CLI can be “challenging to treat”, according to the NHS.

However, this condition doesn’t occur without your body ringing alarm bells.

One tell-tale sign of CLI is the skin on your leg turning dry, the health service details.

DON’T MISS 

How to lower high cholesterol

Between changing up your diet and taking medication, there are different measures available for busting high cholesterol.

A cholesterol-cutting diet is focused on lowering the intake of saturated fat – think sausages, butter, biscuits and cheese.

However, some patients might need to take a medication called statins to prevent further complications and get their levels under control.

Other lifestyle changes that could be helpful include exercise, quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.