Can sleep disturbance due to restless legs syndrome cause atrial fibrillation?

The study evaluated whether frequent periodic leg movement during sleep is a risk factor for progression of atrial fibrillation. 

Without proper sleep, a person's body becomes tired. This makes the body to work harder in order to reach its regular functioning capabilities. As this happens, the heart also works harder in pumping blood to the body and brain, by increasing the heart rate. This increases the occurrence of an irregular heartbeat, leading to atrial fibrillation or AF (a heartbeat rhythm disorder). Therefore, any factor thought to cause sleep disturbance may be a factor for the cause and progression of AF. People with restless legs syndrome or RLS (a disorder of a part of the nervous system that affects the legs and causes an urge to move them) have uncomfortable sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve these sensations. RLS can be a cause of sleep disturbance. This article aimed to assess whether RLS also can lead to progression of AF.

The study involved 373 patients with AF, who also experienced RLS. Patients were divided into 2 groups, based on how often they experienced periodic leg movement during sleep (PLMS). 205 patients were placed under the frequent PLMS group (experienced more than 35 periodic movements per hour), while the other 168 patients were placed under the infrequent PLMS group (experienced 35 or less periodic movements per hour). The main parameter assed was progression from paroxysmal AF (sudden occurrence of AF that terminates in a short period of time) to permanent or persistent AF (AF that continues until reverted with drugs of electric shock). Results showed that 23% of the patients with infrequent periodic leg movement had AF progression compared to 34% of patients with frequent periodic leg movement.

Overall, patients with frequent PLMS had a higher rate of AF progression than patients with infrequent PLMS. 

This study evaluated patients who were treated in the past (retrospective study), rather than following patients throughout their treatment and determining their outcomes. Retrospective studies are known to provide weaker statistical information. 

Consult your physician for treatment of RLS to prevent progression of AF.