Although the pathogenesis of lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction is poorly understood and thought to be multifactorial, it has been traditionally recognized that these conditions increase with age.
There is increasing evidence that there is an association between cardiovascular disease and lower urinary tract symptoms as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction in elderly patients. Age might activate systemic vascular risk factors, resulting in disturbed blood flow. Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis are also linked to the etiology of lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction. In the present review, we discuss the relationship between decreased pelvic blood flow and lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, we suggest possible common mechanisms underlining these urological conditions.
Written by:
Shimizu S, Tsounapi P, Shimizu T, Honda M, Inoue K, Dimitriadis F, Saito M. Are you the author?
Department of Pharmacology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Nankoku, Japan.
Reference: Int J Urol. 2014 Jun 15. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1111/iju.12501
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24930630
