Can high cholesterol cause peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease develops when arteries supplying the legs or other limbs become narrowed, often because of plaque in the artery wall. Reduced blood flow may cause aching, cramping or heaviness in a calf, thigh or buttock during walking, with relief after resting. Some people have no clear symptoms. Cold feet, skin changes, slow-healing sores or pain at rest can indicate more advanced blood-flow problems. High cholesterol is one contributor, alongside smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and other causes of artery disease.

Arrange an assessment if walking brings repeated leg pain or if you have a high cholesterol result with other vascular risk factors. A clinician can examine pulses and skin, compare blood pressure in the limbs and choose further tests when needed. Treatment may include cholesterol management, physical activity planned safely, smoking cessation, and care for diabetes or blood pressure. Protect your feet from injury and report sores that do not heal.

Get urgent medical help for a suddenly cold, pale, blue or numb limb, severe new limb pain, or an inability to move the limb. Seek prompt care for a worsening foot wound, spreading redness, fever or rest pain. These signs can reflect a serious circulation problem or infection and should not be monitored at home without advice.

Ask whether your leg symptoms suggest peripheral arterial disease, which risk factors need attention, and what walking or exercise plan is safe. Ask how to check your feet and when a wound needs review.