From the Guidelines
Hypertension and Urinary Incontinence
Yes, hypertension can potentially lead to urinary incontinence.
- Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to kidney damage and exacerbate existing urinary incontinence 1.
- Certain medications used to treat hypertension, such as alpha-blockers like prazosin, can relax the muscles in the bladder neck and worsen stress incontinence 1.
- Additionally, 1-blockers such as terazosin, doxazosin, can indirectly dilate prostatic and urinary sphincter smooth muscle and also lower BP, which may have an impact on urinary incontinence symptoms 1.
- It is essential to discuss any concerns about urinary incontinence with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment, which may include lifestyle modifications, medication adjustments, or referral to a specialist like a urologist.
- Alpha-blockers are contraindicated in patients with urinary incontinence, as they can worsen symptoms 1.
- The use of sympatholytic drugs can help improve BP control and may have a positive effect on urinary incontinence symptoms in patients with urinary outflow obstruction 1.
From the Research
Hypertension and Urinary Incontinence
- Hypertension can lead to urinary incontinence, particularly in older adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are taking diuretics 2, 3.
- The use of short, rapid-acting loop diuretics can worsen urinary symptoms, including urinary incontinence, in patients with CKD, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease 3.
- Certain antihypertensive medications, such as peripheral alpha blockers and loop diuretics, have been associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence in older women 4.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
- Stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence are common types of incontinence that can be exacerbated by hypertension and certain medications 2, 5, 6.
- Nocturia, or the need to urinate at night, is also a common symptom in patients with CKD and hypertension 2, 3.
Medication-Related Urinary Incontinence
- Certain medications, such as alpha blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, can cause urinary incontinence as a side effect 4, 6.
- The use of diuretics, particularly loop diuretics, can also contribute to urinary incontinence in patients with hypertension and CKD 2, 3.
- Alternative medications, such as calcium channel blockers, may be considered for patients who experience urinary incontinence as a side effect of their antihypertensive medication 6.