Men's Health: Common Conditions May Signal Hidden Heart Problems

Urinary symptoms are common but may be warning signs for more serious health conditions, Australian scientists said in a recent study.

Men have significantly shorter life expectancies than women, primarily driven by a higher prevalence of preventable diseases such as heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes—up to 40 percent of which could be avoided, the study authors said.

They pointed to recent research that indicates that common conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may be red flags for spotting patients at risk of these conditions.

LUTS include getting up during the night to urinate, otherwise known as nocturia, as well as a variety of urinary issues, from incontinence to difficulty beginning to pee.

Professor Gary Wittert, who joint-led the University of Adelaide study, said in a statement that erectile dysfunction and nocturia could indicate the presence of coexisting heart problems and a heightened risk of heart attacks.

"[ED and nocturia] are troublesome conditions that both damage self-esteem and reduce quality of life," he said. "Nocturia causes sleep disruption and erectile dysfunction has adverse effects on intimate relationships.

"By addressing these symptoms, healthcare practitioners can better identify and treat underlying cardiometabolic problems early, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality among men."

The rate of ED varies worldwide, but it is estimated that 20.7 percent of North American men have the condition. A 2022 study from the United Kingdom found that of the men with ED included in their research, more than 70 percent had at least one chronic health condition.

The prevalence of LUTS varies by age. A 2018 study estimated that a quarter of men in their 50s and approximately 90 percent of men in their 70s experienced some urinary symptoms.

"Although we want GPs to routinely ask about these symptoms, it's also crucial for men to understand the significance of these issues and seek help when they notice them," said the study's other leader, Sam Tafari.

"If men don't understand the significance of their symptoms, they may opt to take a wait and see approach."

The study suggested that young men were likely to avoid seeking treatment for ED because they believed it might spontaneously resolve. In contrast, older men were prone to accept it as a natural part of aging.

However, the researchers in the latest study said they were keen to use these conditions as entry points for engaging men in healthcare by raising public awareness about what these symptoms could mean and encouraging healthcare providers to ask about them in consultations.

"Failure to seek or receive appropriate care represents a lost opportunity for prevention, diagnosis, and remediation of chronic disease," said Wittert.

"We're encouraging GPs to ask their male patients about the presence of erectile dysfunction and nocturia, and respond accordingly.

"Experts say men shoulder a disproportionate burden of chronic disease and have poorer outcomes from most chronic disorders.

"Routinely asking about erectile function and nocturia provides an opportunity to improve quality of life and mitigate health risks."

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Reference

Tafari, S., Jesudason, D., & Wittert, G. A. (2024). "Before you go"—Considering genitourinary symptoms as a sentinel indicator of the presence of, or risk for, chronic disorders in men. Journal of Men's Health, 20(8). https://doi.org/10.22514/jomh.2024.122