High blood fat can cause many health problems, including damage to the peripheral nervous system with a common sign of numbness in the hands and feet.
This article received professional advice from Lieutenant Colonel, MSc. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia and BS.CK1 Vo Ngoc Duy, Department of Internal Medicine and Neurology, Military Hospital 175.
Dyslipidemia occurs when levels of cholesterol, triglycerides or other fats in the blood exceed normal levels. This condition not only poses a risk of cardiovascular diseases but also seriously affects and damages the peripheral nervous system. One of the common signs of this damage is numbness in the hands and feet.
How does dyslipidemia affect numbness in the hands and feet?
Dyslipidemia can cause damage to the nervous system, especially small nerve fibers. These fibers are responsible for transmitting pain, temperature and part of motor function. When damaged, they can lead to symptoms of numbness, burning pain, aching or a pins and needles feeling in the limbs.
Research has shown that in patients with dyslipidemia, the function of small nerve fibers can be significantly impaired, causing symptoms of numbness in the limbs. This is a sign of small fiber neuropathy, a form of peripheral nerve damage.
Dyslipidemia causes damage to the nervous system through what mechanism?
Dyslipidemia causes damage to the nervous system through the following mechanisms:
Oxidative stress: When lipid levels in the blood increase, it can trigger the production of free radicals. These free radicals can damage nerve cells, leading to loss of function and symptoms of numbness.
Inflammation: Oxidized lipids in the blood can cause an inflammatory response in the nerves. Prolonged inflammation can damage the protective layer of the nerve, affecting the function of nerve signal transmission and causing numbness.
Ischemia: Dyslipidemia causes narrowing of blood vessels, causing reduced blood flow to the nerves. This leads to nerve fibers not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to functional impairment and numbness symptoms.
Direct effects of lipids: Lipids in the blood can accumulate and cause direct damage to small nerve fibers, reducing the ability to transmit sensory signals, causing numbness in the limbs.
Patient examined for numbness in limbs at Military Hospital 175. Photo: Le Phuong
How to detect neuropathy caused by dyslipidemia?
Diagnosing neuropathy due to dyslipidemia is often not easy because symptoms may not be obvious in the early stages. To detect, doctors often rely on clinical symptoms such as numbness and pain in the limbs, along with blood tests to check lipid levels in the blood. In addition, in-depth neurological function testing methods may be applied, including:
Quantitative pain and temperature testing: This is a method that helps evaluate the function of small nerve fibers. Research has shown that in patients with dyslipidemia, this reflex time is often prolonged and reflects damage to small nerve fibers.
Other tests: Assessing autonomic nerve function and sweating response also helps assess other functions of small fiber nerves.
Can treating dyslipidemia reduce symptoms of numbness in the hands and feet?
Treatment of dyslipidemia not only helps improve cardiovascular health but also reduces symptoms of numbness in the arms and legs due to nerve damage. Early detection and timely treatment are important to help prevent and minimize symptoms.
Here are some prevention and treatment measures:
Diet: Adjust your diet by reducing consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol and increasing fiber and omega-3 intake. Foods such as green vegetables, fruits, and sea fish contain lots of omega-3 that can help balance lipid levels in the blood.
Do exercise: Performing regular exercise such as walking, swimming, yoga helps improve blood circulation, enhance cardiovascular function and control weight, thereby helping to reduce lipid levels in the blood.
Taking medication: In case of necessity, the doctor may prescribe lipid-lowering drugs. However, caution should be exercised when using it because some drugs can cause side effects on the nervous system.
Health monitoring: VPeriodic health monitoring, including checking blood lipid levels, blood sugar and related indicators, helps adjust the appropriate treatment regimen. This is important in preventing and managing dyslipidemic neuropathy.