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Overactive Bladder is a Distress Symptom in Heart Failure
1Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Heart failure (HF) is linked to increased urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB). Medications for HF may worsen these urinary symptoms, requiring further investigation into their combined impact.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Urology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Heart failure (HF) prevalence is rising globally due to aging populations.
- HF significantly impacts patient quality of life and incurs substantial economic costs.
- Urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB) affect up to 50% of HF patients, yet their relationship with HF is under-researched.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the existing literature on the association between heart failure (HF) and urinary symptoms like UI and OAB.
- To explore potential pathophysiological links and medication-related factors contributing to urinary issues in HF patients.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was performed.
- Searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for publications from January 2000 to November 2017.
- Focused on studies investigating the relationship between HF, UI, and OAB.
Main Results:
- Heart failure (HF) is a significant public health issue associated with a higher risk of UI and OAB.
- HF pathophysiology may directly contribute to urinary symptoms.
- Common HF medications (diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs) might exacerbate urinary problems.
Conclusions:
- HF is a growing concern with increased risk for UI and OAB comorbidities.
- Medications prescribed for HF symptom management could potentially worsen urinary symptoms.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of UI and OAB on the HF illness trajectory.
Abstract:
The prevalence of Heart failure (HF) is expected to increase worldwide with the aging population trend. The numerous symptoms of and repeated hospitalizations for HF negatively affect the patient's quality of life and increase the patient's economic burden. Up to 50% of patients with HF suffer from urinary incontinence (UI) and an overactive bladder (OAB). However, there are limited data about the relationship between UI, OAB, and HF. The association between HF and urinary symptoms may be directly attributable to worsening HF pathophysiology. A comprehensive literature review was conducted for all publications between January 2000 and November 2017 using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. HF represents a major and growing public health problem, with an increased risk of UI and an OAB as comorbidities. Possible effects of HF on urinary problems may be mediated by the prescription of medications for symptomatic relief. Although diuretics are typically used to relieve congestion, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers improve survival, these classes of drugs have been suggested to worsen urinary symptoms in the presence of HF. Further research is required to understand the impact of UI and an OAB on the HF illness trajectory.
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