Clinical Report: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms as Predictors of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elderly Men
Overview
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in elderly men are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Analysis of seven longitudinal cohort studies involving 25,982 men suggests a potential predictive relationship between moderate to severe LUTS and future cardiovascular events.
Background
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in aging populations. LUTS, common in elderly men, share multiple risk factors with CVD, including hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. The pathogenesis of LUTS involves multifactorial mechanisms such as vascular dysfunction and increased sympathetic activity, which may also contribute to cardiovascular pathology. Understanding whether LUTS can serve as an early indicator of CVD risk could improve screening and preventive strategies.
Data Highlights
Study Type
Number of Participants
Follow-up Duration
Outcome
Quality Scores (External/Internal/Informative)
7 Longitudinal Cohort Studies
25,982 men
Varied (not specified)
Incidence of CVD events
0.71 / 0.74 / 0.88
Key Findings
LUTS and CVD share common risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and advanced age.
Vascular changes including atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction may contribute to LUTS pathogenesis and overlap with CVD mechanisms.
Increased sympathetic nervous system activity is a proposed common pathway linking hypertension and LUTS.
Meta-analysis of longitudinal studies indicates men with moderate to severe LUTS have a higher hazard ratio for developing cardiovascular events compared to men with no or mild LUTS.
Methodological quality of included studies was generally high, supporting the reliability of the association.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider evaluating cardiovascular risk in elderly male patients presenting with moderate to severe LUTS. Early identification of LUTS may provide an opportunity for cardiovascular risk stratification and timely intervention. Integrating LUTS assessment into routine cardiovascular screening protocols could enhance preventive care in this population.
Conclusion
The evidence supports that LUTS in elderly men may serve as a clinical marker for increased cardiovascular disease risk. Further research is warranted to clarify causality and to explore whether treatment of LUTS can reduce cardiovascular morbidity.
References
Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis (2014) -- Can Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Indicate Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Elderly Men?
