Common Symptoms Of Hyperlipidemia

Pain When Walking

A symptom that can manifest in individuals affected by hyperlipidemia is the sensation of pain when walking or claudication. This type of pain is the result of a decreased amount of blood flow that commonly occurs during physical exertion or exercise. Because hyperlipidemia is a common underlying cause of atherosclerosis in affected individuals, claudication occurs when high lipid levels in the blood cause the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the arms and legs. When plaque accumulation begins to affect the function of the arms and legs, it is called peripheral artery disease. The collection of plaques in the arteries can cause them to become so narrowed and stiff that not enough blood is allowed to flow through them into the legs. Pain occurs when the muscles in an individual's legs do not receive enough oxygen because of poor blood flow. Without enough oxygen, the muscles in the buttocks, thighs, and calves are unable to contract properly. This symptom usually starts as intermittent pain when engaging in physical activity, and it progresses to pain when resting or walking short distances.

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