Co-treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms and cardiovascular disease – where do we stand?

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is well established. A healthy lifestyle with a good quality diet and regular physical activity is important for reducing the severity of LUTS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed on the subject of association between LUTS and cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: The recent data indicates that therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction might also reduce the severity of LUTS (e.g. statins reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] and slow down the progression of LUTS in patients with hyperlipidaemia). Hypertensive patients treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers have a lower severity of LUTS. This paper shortly discusses the relationship between the occurrence of LUTS and CVD and the potential clinical implications regarding the management of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms require a holistic approach and cooperation of a urologist and cardiologist to diagnose concomitant cardiovascular diseases as early as possible and implement appropriate treatment. Antihypertensive, antithrombotic, hypolipemic therapies and healthy lifestyles reduce not only cardiovascular mortality, but also might reduce the severity of LUTS.