Restless Legs Syndrome, Heat Damage and Heart Attack

Data was presented at a study at the American College of Cardiology about Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and cardiovascular health. RLS affects an estimated 12 million Americans. Researchers measured leg movements in patients with RLS during an overnight sleep study and then assessed their heart health. They divided the patients into two groups - those whose legs twitched more or less than 35 times per hour. Patients whose legs twitched more than 35 times per hour were more likely to have thickened heart muscle. In the three years of follow up, those with the most leg twitches and thickest heart walls were more than twice as likely to have suffered a heart attack or died. It's not clear if treating the RLS lowers cardiovascular risk. The study authors suggest that patients with restless legs symptoms consult with their doctor about monitoring their heart health.