Heart Advances from Harvard: Restless legs syndrome and coronary artery disease risk
The connection between leg movements and heart disease is easily explained. Up to 80% of people with RLS experience periodic limb movements of sleep, in which they move their legs 300 to 500 times a night. This activates the sympathetic nervous system, elevating heart rate and blood pressure. It also interrupts sleep, which is associated with increased heart risk. People with RLS are also more likely to have conditions such as high blood pressure, which raises their heart risk.
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