Association between cardiovascular health metrics and restless legs syndrome: A population-based study

Abstract

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases is increasingly identified to be related to the restless legs syndrome (RLS). However, the relationship between Cardiovascular Health Metric (CVH) and RLS need to be further confirmed. The present study aimed to assess the association of overall CVH metric and 7 Simple’s Life (LS7) with the RLS risk. Methods In a cross-sectional population-based study, 3,772 adults (57.6 ± 5.11 years of age) were recruited and completed the structured questionnaire between January 2 and May 21, 2022. Blood sample and other body measurements were obtained by trained nurses. The definition and score of CVH metric was determined by the attendance of LS7, and the RLS was diagnosed by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations of overall CVH metric and its SL7 profiles with prevalence of RLS. Results Overall, 301 (7.98%) were diagnosed with RLS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, in comparison to inadequate scores, higher scores of overall CVH metric and body mass index (BMI), physical activity, blood pressure and total cholesterol (TC) metric were negatively associated with the prevalence of RLS (multi-adjusted odd ratios [ORs] ranged from 0.32 to 0.67, all P for trend < 0.05). Per 1-SD increase in over CVH metric and each SL7 profile yielded the similar results (ORs ranged from 0.65 to 0.85, all P for trend < 0.05). Significant differences in the association of RLS with smoke profile and overall CVH metric were detected with females (P for interaction = 0.005) and older participants (P for interaction = 0.013), respectively. Conclusion To be at an ideal behavioural CVH may be benefit in RLS, especially for women and older people. Interventions concerning to promote and preserve favourable CVH should be regarded in the prevention and treatment of RLS.