When High Cholesterol Becomes Dangerous: Signs You Should See a Doctor

19. Hair Loss on the Legs and Feet

This is an often-overlooked but very specific sign of advanced peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition directly caused by high cholesterol. When arteries in the legs and feet are severely narrowed, the hair follicles receive insufficient oxygen and nutrients, causing hair to thin, become brittle, or fall out entirely. You may also notice the skin on your legs becomes shiny or pale. If you find your leg hair is mysteriously disappearing, it’s a strong vascular signal that demands immediate medical evaluation.

20. A Consistent Feeling of Indigestion After Meals

While your list mentions digestive discomfort after fatty meals, a more specific symptom is a consistent feeling of indigestion or heartburn after almost any meal, even healthy ones. High cholesterol levels, particularly when they lead to a sluggish liver and gallbladder, can impair the body's ability to produce and release bile effectively, which is essential for breaking down fats. This can lead to a nagging, heavy feeling in your stomach, bloating, and overall digestive sluggishness. It's a gut-level clue that your body's fat-processing system is struggling.