Update on Restless Legs Syndrome and Vascular Disease

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor neurological disorder; its prevalence in the white population is 5% to 10% (Lancet Neurol 2008; 7:564). More than 80% of patients with RLS have an increased number of periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), detected on polysomnographic recordings. RLS causes significant discomfort and adversely affects quality of life. Whether RLS and PLMS have more-ominous consequences is unclear. These authors reviewed the literature examining the associations between RLS and hypertension (HTN), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and stroke, aiming to elucidate the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these associations. They looked at case reports, epidemiological studies, and polysomnographic studies.

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