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Frequency of urinary incontinence in people with chronic heart failure

Rita Hwang1, Francine Chuan, Robyn Peters

  • 1Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia. hwang_r@hotmail.com

Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|November 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Urinary incontinence is common in heart failure (HF) patients, with nearly half experiencing it. Medication management, especially diuretic adherence and beta-blocker dosage, is crucial for managing incontinence in HF.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Urology

Background:

  • Urinary incontinence (UI) is prevalent in older adults, but its frequency in heart failure (HF) patients is understudied.
  • Understanding UI in HF is critical for comprehensive patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and severity of urinary incontinence in individuals with heart failure (HF).
  • To identify risk factors associated with UI in HF patients.
  • To explore the relationship between UI, medication adherence (particularly diuretics), and quality of life in HF.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive study surveyed 181 HF patients using validated instruments: Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale, Medication Adherence Report Scale, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form.
  • Regression analyses were employed to examine associations between variables and UI presence.
  • Data collected included UI frequency, severity, risk factors, and HF medication dosages.

Main Results:

  • Nearly half (49%) of the 89 respondents reported UI, with 34% experiencing slight to moderate severity.
  • Incontinent patients were more likely to take furosemide doses >20 mg daily and low-dose beta-blockers.
  • Low-dose beta-blockers accounted for 23% of the variance in UI; incontinent patients were more likely to alter or miss diuretic doses.

Conclusions:

  • Urinary incontinence appears to be highly prevalent in heart failure patients.
  • Screening for UI should be integrated into routine HF management.
  • Monitoring furosemide and beta-blocker dosages, and ensuring diuretic adherence, are important aspects of HF care.
Abstract

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