BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a risk for cardiovascular diseases and increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to determine the prevalence of RLS and its associated factors among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing PCI.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted among CAD patients undergoing PCI at a tertiary care institute in India. All study participants underwent a detailed evaluation of RLS symptoms. Clinical and sleep evaluations were done through a prestructured questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RLS was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders-3 rd edition. The symptoms and severity were characterized by using the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) RLS Questionnaire for Indian Patients and the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) rating scale.

RESULTS

Of 116 post-PCI study participants, with a mean age of 51.9 ± 8.5 years and in whom males constituted 92.5%, 25 (21.6%, 95% confidence interval = 14-30) patients had RLS. The prevalence of RLS was significantly higher among those with poor sleep quality (27.5% vs. 8.33%, P = 0.02). Among patients with RLS, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of onset of symptoms was 48.5 (10.2) years, and its median (interquartile range) duration was 24 (8-42) months. Mean (SD) IRLSSG score was 17.2 ± 7.3. Four (16%) patients had mild RLS, 14 (56%) had moderate RLS, six (24%) had severe RLS, and one (4%) had very severe RLS.

CONCLUSIONS

One in five patients with PCI had RLS. Identification and optimal treatment of RLS in these patients could improve their quality of life.