Potential Bladder Leaks and Their Impact on Heart Health
Middle-aged and older women may experience unexpected changes in their health, often attributed to aging. However, a new study has shed light on an unexpected connection between urinary incontinence and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Researchers led by Dr. Lisa Van Wiel at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse analyzed medical records from more than 20,000 female patients over two years. The study found that, despite no evidence of reduced physical activity levels among women with urinary incontinence, they did have an increased risk of CVD factors, such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and stroke.
The researchers believe that this association may contribute to CVD risk, and have urged healthcare professionals to screen women for urinary incontinence, particularly those aged 50 and above. This is important because, according to previous research, addressing modifiable factors such as obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle may help reduce the risk of both urinary incontinence and CVD.
While the exact cause of the association remains unclear, potential mechanisms include shared risk factors, vascular and neurological dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and higher levels of sedentary behavior in older women with urinary incontinence. Further studies are needed to investigate these factors and better understand the relationship between the two conditions.
For women over 50 experiencing bladder leaks, the research underscores the importance of discussing any symptoms with their doctor, not just gynecologists, and asking about screenings for CVD risk, diabetes, and stroke risk.
Editor's note: Addressing modifiable risk factors can help reduce the risk of both urinary incontinence and cardiovascular disease.
- The study conducted by Dr. Lisa Van Wiel's team has provided insights into the connection between urinary incontinence and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, which are relevant topics in medical-conditions, health-and-wellness, and cardiovascular-health.
- The study results showed that women with urinary incontinence, even when physically active, had an increased risk of CVD factors such as dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and stroke, pointing towards potential shared risk factors, chronic inflammation, vascular and neurological dysfunction.
- Given the association between urinary incontinence and CVD risk, it is vital for healthcare professionals to screen women, particularly those aged 50 and above, for urinary incontinence. This approach could potentially help identify modifiable risk factors, such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle, enhancing women's health and mental-health.
