Effects of Idiopathic Restless Leg Syndrome on Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Artery: A Case Control Study Publisher



Hashemi MG¹ ; Mastanabad MV² ; Alaei M³ ; Kaviani MA⁴ ; Asadifar A⁴ ; Momivand R⁵ ; Helali H⁶ ; Hashemi MG¹ ; Gholami M⁸ ; Yazdi SNM^{9, 10}
Source: Frontiers in Biomedical Technologies Published:2024

Abstract

Purpose: Restless legs syndrome is claimed to be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Intima-media thickness has been reported to be the most valuable surrogate marker and predictor of atherosclerosis progression and upcoming cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between restless legs syndrome and intima-media thickness of the carotid artery. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 23 patients with restless legs syndrome without other known risk factors of cardiovascular diseases were evaluated with regard to the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery by employing a high-resolution B-mode ultrasound study. The findings of the ultrasound study between the case and the control group were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: Intima-media thickness was revealed to be of a lower value in subjects with restless legs syndrome (0.79 ± 0.10) compared to the control group (0.88 ± 0.13). Also, our study showed that older age and the presence of hypertension directly correlates with intima-media thickness. Conclusion: It can be concluded that restless legs syndrome is associated with a lower intima-media thickness. Copyright © 2024 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.