Restless Legs Syndrome Is Associated with Cardiovascular Disease

Investigators found an association between restless legs syndrome and prevalent cardiovascular disease in a large community-based sample of middle-aged and older subjects.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common (5%–10% of the population) sensorimotor condition that is diagnosed by evaluating patient history. People with RLS experience an urge to move the limbs (often with uncomfortable sensations) that begins or worsens with rest, is worse in the evening, and is at least partially relieved by movement. To determine whether RLS is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), investigators conducted a cross-sectional, observational study of 3433 middle-aged and elderly participants in the Sleep Heart Health Study — a community-based assessment of the cardiovascular effects of sleep disorders.

The authors compared the prevalence of CVD in subjects who reported symptoms of RLS and in those who did not (controls…

Reviewing Author

Brian J. Murray, MD, FRCP(C), D, ABSM