Systemic atherosclerosis and voiding symptom.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Cardiovascular Science
• Gerontology

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) significantly impacts quality of life.
• Atherosclerosis, a condition affecting blood vessels, is prevalent in aging populations.
• The relationship between atherosclerosis and OAB symptoms requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between atherosclerosis risk factors and bladder storage and voiding symptoms in women with OAB.
• To determine if vascular risk influences the severity of OAB and associated quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 167 women diagnosed with OAB.
• Assessment of four key atherosclerosis risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hyperlipidemia.
• Analysis of storage/voiding symptoms, urodynamic findings, and quality of life scores, categorized by vascular risk status.

Main Results:

• Over 70% of participants had at least one vascular risk factor.
• Women with atherosclerosis risk factors reported significantly more wet-type OAB and nocturia.
• The at-risk group exhibited higher mean age and gravidity, and lower nocturia-specific quality of life scores.

Conclusions:

• Atherosclerosis and aging appear to be associated with more severe OAB symptoms and diminished quality of life.
• Impaired bladder neck perfusion may contribute to nocturia and other OAB-related quality of life deficits.
• Further research into vascular and molecular changes in OAB is warranted.