Cardiovascular risk factors correlate with prostate size in men with bladder outlet obstruction

To study whether the risk profile for cardiovascular disease correlates with prostate size in elderly men seeking medical attention for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), by assessing physiological, biochemical and personality traits.

Fifty-two men (mean age 68 years, range 52-85) with bladder outlet obstruction, as verified by urodynamic testing, had their prostate size measured by transrectal ultrasonography. Their blood and urine was also examined, and their personality and heart rate variability tested. The measured variables were assessed statistically in relation to whether the prostate volume was smaller (22 men) or larger (30 men) than 50 mL.

Patients with a large prostate (mean 104 mL) had a higher mean arterial pressure (105 vs 95 mmHg, P < 0.01), and serum glucose (5.3 vs 4.8 mmol/L, P < 0.01) and serum cortisol (423 vs 362 nmol/L, P = 0.06) concentrations than those with a small gland (mean 31 mL). The personality test showed that they were also less assertive than the others (P < 0.03). The components of the heart rate variability indicated that men with a large prostate had increased sympathetic activity.

Men with LUTS caused by a very large prostate have more risk factors for cardiovascular disease than those with a smaller gland.