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Article: Restless legs syndrome may increase risk of heart disease: older adults with RLS are twice as likely to have vascular conditions, but cause and effect is not proven.(SLEEP DISORDERS)
- Article from:
- Women's Health Advisor
- Article date:
- May 1, 2008
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A study published in the Jan. 1 issue of Neurology revealed an increase in the risk of heart disease and stroke among older adults who suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS). The risk appears to be greatest in those who have the most frequent and severe symptoms.
RLS is a nervous system disorder characterized by a tingling or creeping feeling in the legs and the urge to move them. The symptoms occur primarily at night, often interfere with sleep, and tend to get worse over time. Between five and 10 percent of the adult population have RLS, but the exact cause is not known.
"RLS in older adults is often due to an underlying medical problem such as ...