The association of Restless Legs Syndrome with hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Med Sci Monit. 2014 Apr 21:20:654-9. doi: 10.12659/MSM.890252.

Abstract

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), is a sensory-motor neurological disorder that appears to be surprisingly common in the community. Periodic limb movements in sleep are typically encountered in more than 80% of RLS patients and comprise involuntary muscular jerks in the lower limbs, such as flexion of the knees or ankles. Iron deficiency and dopaminergic neuronal dysfunction in the central nervous system are currently thought to be the likely pathophysiological culprits. There is evidence linking RLS to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. This short review will first present a synopsis of epidemiological, clinical and pathophysiological data concerning the syndrome, and then information on the possible links between RLS and cardiovascular disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / complications*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / physiopathology