Heart at risk from Restless Leg Syndrome
Source: Agencies |
April 5, 2011, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PEOPLE with Restless Leg Syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's legs, have more thickening of the heart muscle which puts them at greater risk for a serious heart condition over time, researchers said on Sunday.
The syndrome "is the most common disease no one has ever heard of," said Dr Arshad Jahangir, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, who led a study that examined an association between the syndrome and heart disease.
The study involved 584 patients who were diagnosed with the syndrome and referred to an overnight sleep clinic. It found that those who moved their legs more frequently while asleep were more likely to be older, male and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease.
Doctors have known for a long time that people with a thickening of the heart muscle, known as left ventricular hypertrophy, are at greater risk for heart problems.
"What is new about this study is that it appears Restless Leg Syndrome is another risk factor that may predispose patients to and lead to more complications of left ventricular hypertrophy," Jahangir said.
The syndrome affects an estimated 12 million Americans and is more common in older age, around age 65.
Increases in heart rate and blood pressure have previously been reported in patients with the syndrome.
"Similar mechanisms may be contributing to left ventricular hypertrophy, but this needs to be confirmed," he said.
He said that future research should assess whether treatments for the syndrome can prevent left ventricular hypertrophy.
The syndrome "is the most common disease no one has ever heard of," said Dr Arshad Jahangir, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, who led a study that examined an association between the syndrome and heart disease.
The study involved 584 patients who were diagnosed with the syndrome and referred to an overnight sleep clinic. It found that those who moved their legs more frequently while asleep were more likely to be older, male and had a higher incidence of coronary artery disease.
Doctors have known for a long time that people with a thickening of the heart muscle, known as left ventricular hypertrophy, are at greater risk for heart problems.
"What is new about this study is that it appears Restless Leg Syndrome is another risk factor that may predispose patients to and lead to more complications of left ventricular hypertrophy," Jahangir said.
The syndrome affects an estimated 12 million Americans and is more common in older age, around age 65.
Increases in heart rate and blood pressure have previously been reported in patients with the syndrome.
"Similar mechanisms may be contributing to left ventricular hypertrophy, but this needs to be confirmed," he said.
He said that future research should assess whether treatments for the syndrome can prevent left ventricular hypertrophy.
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