Restless Leg Syndrome Could Indicate A More Serious Condition
KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There has been a great deal of attention paid to restless leg syndrome. For those who deal with it on a regular basis, this night time twitching may be more than an annoyance. We also have learned that in some people it could be a sign of hidden heart problems.
The Mayo Clinic has found that people with very frequent leg movements during sleep are more likely to have so-called thick hearts. That's a condition that makes them more prone to cardiac problems.
They were not able to figure out why and certainly this is an association they have made, but it shows us how important it is to make the diagnosis.
Another key point is that over time most health experts have undervalued the role of proper consistent sleep. But, with what we have learned from restless leg, sleep apnea, shift work and other variables that impact our sleep - there can be serious health effects.