Pre-sleep symptoms that warn of heart disease
Do you ever have to constantly move your legs because of itching or pain at night?
Many of us are unable to get a good night's sleep no matter how hard we try. For some, insomnia is accompanied by a physical manifestation known as "restless legs."
Experts warn that "restless legs" could be a sign ofheart disease.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a painful, uncomfortable sensation in the legs that causes patients to constantly move their legs.
"Anyone who has experienced RLS knows it's a strange condition. As soon as you lie down, the urge to move your legs starts. No matter how hard you try, you can't stop it," says cardiologist Leslie Cho.
RLS syndrome is a common condition.
A study published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine estimates that up to 10% of adults in the US suffer from this syndrome. They experience discomfort throughout their legs when they fall asleep, forcing them to constantly wiggle their legs to relieve the pain.
Symptoms originate from within the leg rather than on the surface and include restlessness, twitching, burning, and stiffness.
In most cases, the condition is mild, infrequent, and of unknown cause. In some cases, iron deficiency, kidney failure, pregnancy, spinal cord disease, and neurological disorders are the reasons.
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| Illustration photo: The Active Times |
The link between RLS syndrome and cardiovascular disease
An article in the American Academy of Neurology journal showed that women with RLS have a higher mortality rate from cardiovascular disease. Those with RLS are twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack compared to those without the condition.
"The link between RLS and heart disease andstroke"It is most severe in people who experience RLS symptoms at least 16 times a month," said Dr. John W. Winkelman of Harvard Medical School.
This is likely because many people with RLS also suffer from a movement disorder called periodic limb movement during sleep (PLMS).
Most patients are unaware they have PLMS because they move their legs while asleep. Studies have shown that during this period of movement, patients' blood pressure increases significantly, which over time contributes to cardiovascular disease.
Therefore, if you or a loved one experiences restless legs syndrome while sleeping, you should see a doctor to check for potential heart disease risk.
