A Ghanaian specialist at the Internal medicine and Therapeutics, Dr. Nii Lante Okunka Blankson has revealed that having a high cholesterol could lead to a patient developing black toes and feet.
Dr. Nii Lante Okunka Blankson said, the impaired supply of blood to tissues and vessels caused by the high cholesterol is what leads to the discoloration and pain, because blood flow does not get to the legs. He added that if not noticed and treated at the earliest, it could lead to amputation of the affected leg.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show on August 19, 2025, Dr. Blankson stated that the discoloration mostly happens so slowly that the patients tend not to notice until it has escalated.
He highlighted chronic stress as a cause of high cholesterol adding that, lack of exercise, excessive smoking, consumption of red wine and eating fish are likely to get the cholesterol level high.
According to Dr. Blankson, aging can not be left out in the key causes of high cholesterol as levels tend to rise with age.
‘’As we age, our cholesterol tends to get high around age 40’’, he said.
He also mentioned genes as a major cause stating that there are cases where it tends to be genetic.
To reduce the risk of foot complications and manage high cholesterol, Dr. Blankson recommended regular exercise like brisk walking, healthy diet such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources.
He pushed for stress management, regular checkups and smoking cessation to improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health.
By: Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
