In its earliest stages, atherosclerosis may not cause any signs or symptoms. Characteristic symptoms may only lead patients to consult a physician when more severe problems arise. For example, one of the symptoms could be leg pain. Atherosclerotic plaques decrease the cross-sectional area of an artery, thereby limiting blood flow to the distal lower extremities.
Rest occurs at the characterization of the pain. But doing anything active — walking, running — brings the pain out. Moreover, nighttime pain can also interfere with sleep quality. Leg pain may indicate that high cholesterol has caused a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patients may display notable muscle atrophy during diagnosis.
