Usefulness of nocturia as a mortality risk factor for coronary heart disease among persons born in 1920 or 1921

Association of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study with up to 31 years of follow-up

Background

Nocturia is a highly prevalent and under-considered condition and impacts the quality of life for many individuals. The long-term impact of nocturnal voiding on mortality, especially mortality from cardiovascular disease, remains unknown. The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship of nocturnal voiding episodes with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among adults in the United States.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of 13,862 U.S. adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1994). Nighttime urination frequency was reported during an in-house interview. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were ascertained by linking to National Death Index mortality data through December 31, 2019. The associations of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Throughout a median follow-up of 26.7 years, 5,029 deaths were reported, comprising 1,720 deaths from cardiovascular disease. In the fully adjusted model, participants who reported once, twice, and three or more times nocturnal voiding episodes have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR1, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.997-1.49], HR2, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.13-1.91], and HR ≥ 3, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.52-2.53]) as well as all-cause mortality (HR1, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.90-1.39], HR2, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.23-1.93], and HR ≥ 3, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.81-3.40]), compared to those without nocturia, and heart disease-specific mortality (HR1, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.08-1.64], HR2, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.25-2.10], and HR≥3, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.61-2.67]). Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between the number of nocturia episode changes and stroke-specific mortality.

Conclusion

Nocturia was associated with a significantly augmented risk of overall and heart disease-specific mortality in a dosage-dependent manner. Early recognition and taking precautions may benefit individuals with nocturia by promoting quality of life and cardiac health.

The Relationship Between Nocturia and Mortality: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Purpose

We investigated the relationship between nocturia and mortality risk in the United States.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2010. Mortality data were obtained by linking the primary database to death certificate data found in the National Death Index with mortality follow-up up to December 31, 2015. Nocturia was defined based on symptoms reported in the symptom questionnaire. We categorized patients into 2 groups: mild nocturia (2–3 voids/night) and moderate-to severe nocturia (≥4 voids/night). Multiple Cox regression analyses were performed with adjustment for confounding variables at the baseline survey.

Results

This study included 9,892 adults (4,758 men, 5,134 women). Nocturia occurred in 3,314 individuals (33.5%). Nocturia was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.39) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.19–2.01). Moreover, the mortality risk increased with increasing nocturia severity. Further analysis with propensity score matching showed that nocturia was still significantly associated with all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. In subgroup analysis according to sex, nocturia was significantly associated with allcause mortality and CVD mortality in men. In women, moderate-to-severe nocturia was significantly associated with allcause mortality and CVD mortality. In subgroup analysis according to cardio-metabolic diseases, nocturia was associated with CVD mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or CVD at baseline. In subgroup analysis of patients without diabetes mellitus, hypertension or CVD, nocturia was significantly associated with all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Nocturia was significantly associated with mortality in men and women after adjusting for major confounding factors.

Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and nocturia: a systematic review of the pathophysiological mechanisms

Nocturia significantly impairs quality of life, especially in the elderly population, and urinary retention is a main target of treatment for urologists. In addition to nocturia, cardiovascular diseases are common in the elderly population, and a systematic review showed that hypertension and heart failure are often associated with nocturia. One possible pathogenic mechanism underlying the development of hypertension is an increase in blood pressure due to excessive salt intake in people with high-salt sensitivity. From Guyton's natriuretic curve, we can infer that salt-sensitive hypertensive patients who consume too much salt do not excrete salt during the daytime and are forced to excrete salt at night, resulting in increased urine production and nocturia. In patients with heart failure, the nocturnal supine position leads to an increase in central fluid volume due to an increase in venous return from the periphery, and the secretion of natriuretic peptide is stimulated by the stretching of the atria and ventricles. Thus, natriuresis due to hypertension and hydrodiuresis due to heart failure may cause nocturia, which can effectively be treated by the administration of thiazide diuretics and loop diuretics in the morning, respectively. Because cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and heart failure, can cause nocturia and because the treatment methods differ depending on the cause, it is necessary to pay close attention to nocturia in the management of lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.

Association of nocturia and cardiovascular disease: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

AIMS

To investigate the association of nocturia with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.

METHODS

Among the 40 790 individuals who participated in NHANES from 2005 to 2012, 14 114 adults were analyzed in this study. A participant was considered to have nocturia if they have two or more voiding episodes nightly. In addition, participants with nocturia more than four times in a day were considered to have severe nocturia. A multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for confounding variables, including age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, alcohol consumption, sleeping time, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus was performed with 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM).

RESULTS

Nocturia occurred in 4610 individuals (32.7%). The prevalence of CVD was significantly higher in men, older individuals, those with higher BMI, smokers, and those with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. There was also a significantly higher prevalence of nocturia in the participants with CVD. Multivariate analysis showed that odds ratios (ORs) of mild and severe nocturia for CVD were 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.39) and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.39-2.17), respectively. After 1:1 PSM, the ORs of mild and severe nocturia were 1.27 (95% CI: 1.10-1.48) and 1.73 (95% CI: 1.33-2.26), respectively, showing statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Data from the NHANES indicate that CVD was significantly associated with the prevalence of nocturia, after taking major confounding factors into account. Furthermore, the risk for CVD increases with increasing nocturia severity.

Exploratory pilot study of exogenous sustained-release melatonin on nocturia in Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Nocturia is one of the commonest non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Nocturia has evolved from being understood as a symptom of urological disorders or neurogenic bladder dysfunction to being considered as a form of circadian dysregulation. Exogenous melatonin is known to help circadian function and can be an effective strategy for nocturia in PD.

METHODS

In this open-label, single-site, exploratory, phase 2 pilot study, adults with PD and nocturia underwent assessments using standardized questionnaires, urodynamics studies and a bladder scan. This was followed by completion of a frequency volume chart (FVC) and 2-week sleep diary. Sustained-release melatonin 2 mg was then administered once-nightly for 6 weeks. A repeat assessment using questionnaires, the FVC and sleep diary was performed whilst on treatment with melatonin. Companion or bed partners filled in sleep questionnaires to assess their sleep during the intervention.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (12 males; mean age 68.2 [SD = 7.8] years; mean PD duration 8.0 [±5.5] years) with PD reporting nocturia were included. Administration of melatonin was associated with a significant reduction in the primary outcome bother related to nocturia measured using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Nocturia (ICIQ-N) (p = 0.01), number of episodes of nocturia per night (p = 0.013) and average urine volume voided at night (p = 0.013). No serious adverse events were reported. No significant improvement was noted in bed partner sleep scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In this preliminary open-label study, administration of sustained-release melatonin 2 mg was found to be safe for clinical use and was associated with significant improvements in night-time frequency and nocturnal voided volumes in PD patients.

Nocturia is an Independent Predictor of Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Women: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Nocturia is generally considered a urological condition, but may be an indicator of cardiovascular disease, as prior studies have found associations with cardiovascular risk factors as well as clinical and subclinical markers of coronary artery disease. This study aimed to explore potential associations between nocturia and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). We analyzed 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dual energy x-ray absorptiometry-derived AAC data and concurrent interview data on kidney conditions from respondents aged 40-80 years. AAC was defined as a score ≥ 1 on the 24-point semi-quantitative AAC scale. Nocturia was defined as an average of ≥ 2 voids per night. Three incremental multivariate logistic regression models controlling for (1) age, (2) sex, race, and BMI, and (3) hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking history were used to determine whether nocturia predicted AAC. These models were and modified to exclude age and/or sex to perform age- and/or sex-specific sub-analyses, respectively. Complete data were available from 2,945 participants (29.1% AAC, 31.4% nocturia). On univariate analysis, the association between nocturia and AAC was significant in women (OR 1.77 [95% CI 1.37-2.29], p < 0.001), but not in men (1.14 [0.74-1.76], p = 0.531). Multivariate analysis showed nocturia was an independent predictor of AAC in women in Models I-II (ORs 1.49-1.58, p ≤ 0.032) but not Model III (1.37 [0.90-2.09], p = 0.133). Stratification by age revealed a strong univariate association among women aged 50-59 (3.88 [1.97-7.61], p < 0.001), which persisted across all multivariate models (ORs 4.05-4.41, p ≤ 0.001). The presence of nocturia is an important clue of AAC in women, especially those middle-aged.

Factors Associated With Nocturia-Related Quality of Life in Men With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Treated With Tamsulosin Oral Controlled Absorption System in a Non-Interventional Study

Nocturia impairs quality of life (QoL). We have performed a non-interventional study in which men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were treated for at least 3 months with tamsulosin oral controlled absorption system (0.4 mg q.d.). Other than observing efficacy and tolerability of this drug formulation, the study was designed to explore the relative roles of number of nocturia episodes and of non-urological causes of nocturia on nocturia-related QoL at baseline and treatment-associated changes thereof. The study enrolled 5775 men seeking treatment of their LUTS. Tamsulosin improved LUTS, e.g. International Prostate Symptom Score from 19.5 ± 5.9 to 10.1 ± 4.9 (means ± SD). This was associated by clinically meaningful improvements in the Nocturia QoL score (from 45 ± 19 to 73 ± 17 points) and other QoL scores. Number of nocturnal voids was the key driver of all QoL scores at baseline; change of number of nocturia episodes that of improvement of all QoL scores upon treatment. In contrast, non-urological causes of nocturia such as heart failure, diabetes, sleep apnea, fluid or alcohol intake or use of diuretics or hypnotics had only small if any effects on baseline QoL or treatment-associated improvements thereof. The observed effects of non-urological causes on QoL apparently were largely driven by their effect on number of nocturnal voids. These data further support the idea that improvement of nocturia may be an important treatment goal in male LUTS.

Nocturia and increase in nocturnal blood pressure: the Nagahama study

OBJECTIVE

Abnormalities in circadian blood pressure (BP) variation, particularly increase in nocturnal BP, have been reported to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease, although the factors associated with BP abnormalities are not fully understood. This study aimed to clarify possible associations of sleep characteristics, including sleep fragmentation, sleep disordered breathing, and nocturia, with sleep BP by simultaneous multiday measurements.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study evaluated 5959 community participants having home-measured data on nocturnal BP change (sleep BP - awaking BP), sleep characteristics, and sleep disordered breathing. Sleep characteristics including the fragmentation index were assessed using wrist-wearable actigraphy, whereas sleep disordered breathing was assessed by 3% oxygen desaturation index obtained using a finger-type monitor. The number of nocturnal urinations was recorded in a sleep diary.

RESULTS

Mean nocturnal SBP change was -8.5 ± 7.9%. A 3% oxygen desaturation index was associated with the BP change independently of the basic covariates (β = 0.051, P = 0.001), although the association became insignificant (P = 0.196) after adjusting the fragmentation index (β = 0.105, P < 0.001). The association of the fragmentation index was also insignificant (P = 0.153) after adjusting measurement season (middle season: β = 0.163, P < 0.001; summer season: β = 0.249, P < 0.001). In contrast, the frequency of urination showed strong and independent association (β = 0.140, P < 0.001), with smaller nocturnal BP drop in participants with frequent urination.

CONCLUSION

Subjective sleep estimates and frequent nocturnal urination may represent a potential risk for circadian BP abnormalities.

Future Considerations in Nocturia and Nocturnal Polyuria

Nocturnal polyuria (NP), the most common etiology of nocturia, can be caused by various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea, renal tubular dysfunction, as well as medications (eg, diuretics) and/or behavioral patterns. NP in the absence of underlying medical conditions has been described as NP syndrome and is thought be the result of impaired circadian release of endogenous arginine vasopressin. Desmopressin, a synthetic arginine vasopressin analog, has been shown to be an effective replacement therapy in adults with nocturia due to NP. Further studies on the subset of patients with NP syndrome are warranted to maximize benefit from antidiuretic treatment. In addition, a connection between the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying NP and essential hypertension has been suggested, and hypertension has been shown to be a significant risk factor for nocturia, while an association between NP and brain natriuretic peptide levels has also been reported in patients with nocturia. Hypertension is now viewed as a disorder of blood vessels and treatment is directed at the vasculature rather than the blood pressure, with the latter currently serving as a biomarker for arterial injury. Nocturia is thought to be associated with the beginning of this cardiovascular continuum as studies have reported a link between coronary heart disease and nocturia. Therefore, there is an increasing need to elucidate the complex mechanisms implicated in the association between nocturia and hypertension to promote the development of more individualized therapies for the treatment of nocturia.

Delaying time to first nocturnal void may have beneficial effects on reducing blood glucose levels

Experimental studies disrupting sleep and epidemiologic studies of short sleep durations indicate the importance of deeper and longer sleep for cardiometabolic health. We examined the potential beneficial effects of lengthening the first uninterrupted sleep period (FUSP) on blood glucose. Long-term data (≥3 months of treatment) were derived from three clinical trials, testing low-dose (10-100 µg) melt formulations of desmopressin in 841 male and female nocturia patients (90 % of which had nocturnal polyuria). We performed post hoc multiple regression with non-fasting blood glucose as dependent variable and the following potential covariates/factors: time-averaged change of FUSP since baseline, age, gender, race, ethnicity, baseline glucose, baseline weight, change in weight, patient metabolic status (normal, metabolic syndrome, type II diabetes), dose, follow-up interval, and time of random glucose sampling. Increases in FUSP resulted in statistically significant reductions in blood glucose (p = 0.0131), even after controlling for all remaining covariates. Per hour increase in time to first void was associated with glucose decreases of 1.6 mg/dL. This association was more pronounced in patients with increased baseline glucose levels (test of baseline glucose by FUSP change interaction: p < 0.0001). Next to FUSP change, other statistically significant confounding factors/covariates also associated with glucose changes were gender, ethnicity, metabolic subgroup, and baseline glucose. These analyses indicate that delaying time to first void may have beneficial effects on reducing blood glucose in nocturia patients. These data are among the first to suggest that improving sleep may have salutary effects on a cardiometabolic measure.

Smoking and prevalence of nocturia in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a post-hoc analysis of The Dogo Study

AIMS

No evidence exists regarding the association between smoking status and nocturia among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We evaluated this association among Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by post-hoc analysis.

METHODS

Study subjects were 817 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study subjects were considered to have nocturia if they answered "once or more" to the question: "Within one week, how many times do you typically wake up to urinate from sleeping at night until waking in the morning?" We used the following three outcomes: (1) nocturia was ≥1 voids per night; (2) moderate nocturia was ≥2 voids per night; and (3) severe nocturia was ≥3 voids per night. Adjustments were made for age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke, glycated hemoglobin, current drinking, use of anti-hypertensive agent, use of insulin, use of oral anti-hyperglycemic agent, and diabetic retinopathy.

RESULTS

The prevalence values of one void per night, two voids per night, and three or more voids per night were 39.5%, 27.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. Current smoking was independently inversely associated with severe nocturia compared with never or former smoking; the adjusted PR was 0.47 (95%CI: 0.25-0.89). Among the 443 patients who had ever smoked, compared with former smoking, current smoking was independently inversely related to severe nocturia; the adjusted PR was 0.44 (95%CI: 0.24-0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

In Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, current smoking may be independently inversely associated with severe nocturia.

Nocturia: aetiology and treatment in adults

Nocturia is an extremely common condition that has major sequelae for affected patients. Through disruption of sleep, nocturia impairs quality of life and worsens health outcomes, and is associated with a variety of morbidities including diabetes, coronary artery disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and depression. Unsurprisingly, several studies have also linked nocturia with reduced survival. Nocturia is not simply a consequence of lower urinary tract disease; rather, it is a multifactorial disorder that is often a manifestation of an underlying renal or systemic disease. Through the use of the frequency volume chart, clinicians can accurately quantify nocturia and determine its aetiology. Evaluation of quality of life and sleep using simple measures is essential in order to assess the impact of nocturia on a patient. Numerous treatment options for nocturia exist, but most are associated with minor benefit or lack sufficient evidence supporting their use. By systematically analysing an individual's causes of nocturia, clinicians can design appropriate treatment strategies to most effectively treat this condition.

Nocturia, Insomnia Symptoms and Mortality among Older Men: The Health, Aging and Body Composition Study

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between nocturia (walking up from sleep for urination) and mortality risk among community dwelling older men.

METHODS

This is a secondary data analysis using data obtained from the Health Aging Body Composition (Health ABC) study. Frequency of nocturia was determined at baseline using a questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 1,478 older men, mean (SD) age 73.8 (2.9) years, were included in the analysis. During a follow up period of 9.9 years, a total of 760 deaths were reported. Mortality rate was significantly higher for participants with 3 or more nocturia episodes per night, in comparison to those with 0-1 episodes (HR [CI] : 1.21 [1.00-1.47], p = 0.055), even after controlling for baseline characteristics which included demographic variables, body mass index, lower urinary tract symptoms, use of loop diuretics, insomnia symptoms, feeling excessively sleepy during the day/daytime naps, sleep duration, and use of sleep medications. However, the association between ≥ 3 nocturia episodes per night and mortality risk was no longer statistically significant once prevalent diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease were included in the model (HR [CI]: 1.18 [0.97- 1.44], p = 0.100).

CONCLUSIONS

Nocturia is associated with mortality independent of insomnia symptoms and sleep duration. The relationship is explained in part by prevalent cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The results underscore the impact of these medical conditions on the association between 3 or more nocturia episodes and increased mortality risk among older men.

Underweight body mass index is a risk factor of mortality in outpatients with nocturia in Japan

Background

Although nocturia has been reported to increase mortality in elderly individuals, the particular risk factors that are associated with this event are unclear. Therefore, we evaluated risk factors for death in outpatients with nocturia.

Methods

Between October 2002 and December 2009, 250 consecutive patients with nocturia were enrolled in two general hospitals in Japan. Among them, 193 patients were able to be followed for at least 1 year and up to 9 years (median 4.8 years) if the patients did not die. Mortality rates and risk factors were evaluated in the nocturic outpatients.

Results

Two- and 5-year survival of the nocturic outpatients was 94.6 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) = 92.2–97.1] and 82.6 % (95 % CI = 75.4–87.8), respectively. Higher Charlson Comorbidity Score, lower body mass index (BMI) and lower Physical Component Summary of Short Form-36 item scores were significantly correlated with mortality (p < 0.0001, p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively) in multivariate analysis. The International Prostate Symptom Score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Mental or Role/Social Component Summary of Short Form-36 item scores and Nocturnal Polyuria index were not significantly correlated with mortality. The mortality rate was significantly higher in subjects with an underweight BMI (<18.50) compared with a normal range (18.50–24.99) or overweight (≥25.00) BMI [p < 0.00005, hazard ratio (HR) = 5.84, 95 % CI = 2.03–16.8; p < 0.0005, HR = 5.92, 95 % CI = 1.94–18.0].

Conclusions

Additional attention is required for nocturic outpatients with not only a high Charlson Comorbidity Score but also an underweight BMI because of their high mortality. Large prospective studies are warranted to validate this finding and extend more.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1456-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Indoor cold exposure and nocturia: a cross-sectional analysis of the HEIJO-KYO study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between indoor cold exposure and the prevalence of nocturia in an elderly population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The temperature in the living rooms and bedrooms of 1 065 home-dwelling elderly volunteers (aged ≥60 years) was measured for 48 h. Nocturia (≥2 voids per night) and nocturnal urine production were determined using a urination diary and nocturnal urine collection, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean ± sd age of participants was 71.9 ± 7.1 years, and the prevalence of nocturia was 30.8%. A 1 °C decrease in daytime indoor temperature was associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) for nocturia (1.075, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.026-1.126; P = 0.002), independently of outdoor temperature and other potential confounders such as basic characteristics (age, gender, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking), comorbidities (diabetes, renal dysfunction), medications (calcium channel blocker, diuretics, sleeping pills), socio-economic status (education, household income), night-time dipping of ambulatory blood pressure, daytime physical activity, objectively measured sleep efficiency, and urinary 6-sulphatoxymelatonin excretion. The association remained significant after adjustment for nocturnal urine production rate (OR 1.095 [95% CI 1.042-1.150]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Indoor cold exposure during the daytime was independently associated with nocturia among elderly participants. The explanation for this association may be cold-induced detrusor overactivity. The prevalence of nocturia could be reduced by modification of the indoor thermal environment.

Relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine and nocturia in the general elderly population: The HEIJO-KYO cohort

AIMS

To evaluate the relationship between asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nocturia.

METHODS

A total of 862 community-based elderly individuals were examined in this cross-sectional study (mean age, 72.1 years). We measured nocturnal void frequency and serum ADMA levels. Nocturia was ascertained for a frequency of two or more nocturnal voids.

RESULTS

Nocturia was observed in 262 (30.4%) participants. Univariate logistic regression models revealed a significant association between prevalent nocturia and ADMA levels (crude odds ratio [OR], 1.556 [2nd vs. 1st tertile]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.066-2.270; P = 0.022; crude OR, 2.114 [3rd vs. 1st tertile]; 95% CI, 1.453-3.072; P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression models also revealed marginal to significant associations between prevalent nocturia and age, gender, calcium channel blocker use, nitric oxide-related drug use, diabetes, estimated glomerular filtration rate, insomnia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, overnight urine volume, and endogenous melatonin levels. In the multivariate model simultaneously adjusted for the former variables, higher ADMA levels were significantly associated with higher OR for nocturia (adjusted OR, 1.556 [3rd vs. 1st tertiles]; 95% CI, 1.010-2.397; P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Serum ADMA levels, an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, are significantly associated with prevalent nocturia in the general elderly population.

Nocturia in arterial hypertension: a prevalent, underreported, and sometimes underestimated association

Nocturia is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality but is frequently overlooked and underreported by patients and unrecognized by physicians. Epidemiologic studies reported that nocturnal voiding is associated not only with aging and benign prostatic hyperplasia, but also with many other clinical conditions. The majority of epidemiologic studies reported a significant relationship between nocturia and hypertension. However, the cause-and-effect relationship between them has not been established. Some physiopathological changes in hypertension are conducive to result in nocturia. These include the effects of hypertension on glomerular filtration and tubular transport, resetting of the kidney pressure-natriuresis relationship, atrial stretch and release of atrial natriuretic peptide when congestive heart failure complicates hypertension, and peripheral edema. Another link between hypertension and nocturia is obstructive sleep apnea. Furthermore, some evidence supports the relationship between nondipping behavior of blood pressure and an increased prevalence of nocturia. The use of some classes of antihypertensive agents may result in nocturia. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the epidemiologic evidence and physiopathological links that correlate hypertension and nocturia. Emphasis is placed on the need to take a pro-active attitude to detect and treat this hazardous condition.

Nocturia, sleep-disordered breathing, and cardiovascular morbidity in a community-based cohort

Background

Nocturia has been independently associated with cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality, but such studies did not adjust for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which may have mediated such a relationship. Our aims were to determine whether an association between nocturia and cardiovascular morbidity exists that is independent of SDB. We also determined whether nocturia is independently associated with SDB.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In order to accomplish these aims we performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Sleep Heart Health Study that contained information regarding SDB, nocturia, and cardiovascular morbidity in a middle-age to elderly community-based population. In 6342 participants (age 63±11 [SD] years, 53% women), after adjusting for known confounders such as age, body mass index, diuretic use, diabetes mellitus, alpha-blocker use, nocturia was independently associated with SDB (measured as Apnea Hypopnea index >15 per hour; OR 1.3; 95%CI, 1.2–1.5). After adjusting for SDB and other known confounders, nocturia was independently associated with prevalent hypertension (OR 1.23; 95%CI 1.08–1.40; P = 0.002), cardiovascular disease (OR 1.26; 95%CI 1.05–1.52; P = 0.02) and stroke (OR 1.62; 95%CI 1.14–2.30; P = 0.007). Moreover, nocturia was also associated with adverse objective alterations of sleep as measured by polysomnography and self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness (P<0.05).

Conclusions/Significance

Nocturia is independently associated with sleep-disordered breathing. After adjusting for SDB, there remained an association between nocturia and cardiovascular morbidity. Such results support screening for SDB in patients with nocturia, but the mechanisms underlying the relationship between nocturia and cardiovascular morbidity requires further study. MeSH terms: Nocturia, sleep-disordered breathing, obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea, polysomnography, hypertension.

Nocturia is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and death

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Nocturia has been associated with multiple chronic conditions, however, previous studies have been conducted only at a single time. We found that nocturia preceded the development CHD in young men. Moderate nocturia may be an early marker of CHD in young men.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether nocturia is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD) and occurrence of death.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied data obtained from a retrospective cohort of randomly selected men, aged 40-79 years in 1990, from Olmsted County, MN, USA. Moderate nocturia was defined as waking to urinate ≥2 times per night. Men were followed every 2 years through repeated questionnaires and community medical records to assess development of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and occurrence of death. CHD was ascertained through ongoing surveillance of heart disease in Olmsted County. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate associations between baseline nocturia and each of the outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 2447 men were followed for a median of 17.1 years (25th and 75th percentiles: 15.0, 17.4 years). Moderate nocturia was not significantly associated with the later development of diabetes mellitus or hypertension in this study. Younger men (<60 years of age) with moderate nocturia were more likely to develop CHD later in life than younger men without nocturia (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13, 2.49). This association was no longer significant when adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI) and urological medications (HR: 1.36; 95% CI: 0.87, 2.12). Older men (≥60 years of age) with moderate nocturia were more likely to die than older men without moderate nocturia, even after adjusting for age, BMI, urological medications and CHD (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.91).

CONCLUSION

Nocturia may be a marker for increased risk of CHD in younger men, and death in older men.

Nocturia in older men

Nocturia is a common and bothersome symptom that impacts on sleep-quality and quality of life. Nocturia often has a multi-factorial etiology which makes thorough assessment of the complaint indispensable. This review summarizes the definition of nocturia, its epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and treatment options with special reference to older men. Nocturia is defined as a nocturnal voiding frequency of two or more, based on impact on quality of life. It is very prevalent in older men. Apart from the negative effects of sleep-disruption, it may be a risk-factor for hip fractures and increased mortality. Most common causes are: nocturnal polyuria, 24-h polyuria, overactive bladder (sometimes due to BPH) and sleep disturbance. A clear understanding of the etiology in the individual patient is indispensable when addressing the various possible causes and co-morbidities. Most important tool for this is the frequency-volume chart, but also patient history, physical examination and serum analysis. For treatment, lifestyle adjustments are often helpful. Medical therapy with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, alpha-blockers, a combination of the two, or anti-muscarinics, has a limited effect. Most important medical option is desmopressin (arginine vasopressin analogue); however, treatment with this drug is limited to men under 65 years mainly due to the risk of hyponatraemia.

Association of nocturia and mortality: results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PURPOSE

Nocturia, a common problem in men and women, has been associated with chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension. Using data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey we investigated the association of nocturia with subsequent mortality risk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

NHANES III is a national probability survey of the United States between 1988 and 1994. Mortality data were obtained by linkage of NHANES III to the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between nocturia and all cause mortality, controlling for potential confounders in a sample of 15,988 men and women 20 years old or older.

RESULTS

The prevalence of nocturia, defined as 2 or more voiding episodes nightly, was 15.5% in men and 20.9% in women. Multivariate analyses showed a statistically significant trend of increased mortality risk with increased number of voiding episodes in men and women. The magnitude of the nocturia and mortality association was greater in those younger than 65 years with attenuated associations in the 65 years old or older age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Nocturia is a strong predictor of mortality, more so in younger men and women than in the elderly, with a dose-response pattern in increased mortality risk with increasing number of voiding episodes nightly. Potential underlying mechanisms of the observed association of nocturia and increased mortality risk include sleep disruption and subsequent development of related comorbid conditions.

Impact of nocturia on bone fracture and mortality in older individuals: a Japanese longitudinal cohort study

PURPOSE

We evaluated the association of nocturia with fracture and death in a large, community based sample of Japanese individuals 70 years old or older.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The baseline in this population based study was determined in 2003 by an extensive health interview with each participant. In this study we followed 784 individuals with a mean ± SD age of 76.0 ± 4.6 years (range 70 to 97). Information on mortality and fracture during the study period was provided by the National Health Insurance system and details on fractures were collected from medical records. We compared the risk of bone fracture and death with or without nocturia in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

Nocturia (2 or greater voids per night) was present in 359 of the 784 participants (45.7%). Fracture was observed in 41 cases, including 32 fall related cases. For all fractures and fall related fractures with nocturia the HR was 2.01 (95% CI 1.04-3.87) and 2.20 (95% CI 1.04-4.68, each p = 0.04). Death occurred in 53 cases. The mortality rate in individuals with nocturia was significantly higher than in those without nocturia. For mortality in patients with nocturia the age-gender adjusted HR was 1.91 (95% CI 1.07-3.43, p = 0.03). Even when further adjusted for diabetes, smoking status, history of coronary disease, renal disease and stroke, tranquilizers, hypnotics and diuretics, the positive relationship was unchanged (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.09-3.59, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

During a 5-year observation period elderly individuals with nocturia were at greater risk for fracture and death than those without nocturia.

Prevalence and correlates of nocturia in community-dwelling older adults

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and correlates of nocturia in community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN

Planned secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging population-based survey.

SETTING

Participants' homes.

PARTICIPANTS

One thousand older adults (aged 65-106) recruited from Medicare beneficiary lists between 1999 and 2001. The sample was selected to include 25% each African-American women, African-American men, white women, and white men.

MEASUREMENTS

In-person interviews included sociodemographic information, medical history, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and measurement of body mass index (BMI). Nocturia was defined in the main analyses as rising two or more times per night to void.

RESULTS

Nocturia was more common in men than women (63.2% vs 53.8%, odds ratio (OR)=1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.15-1.91, P=.003) and more common in African Americans than whites (66.3% vs 50.9%, OR=1.89, 95% CI=1.46-2.45, P<.001). In multiple backward elimination regression analysis in men, nocturia was significantly associated with African-American race (OR=1.54) and BMI (OR=1.22 per 5 kg/m(2)). Higher MMSE score was protective (OR=0.96). In women, nocturia was associated with older age (OR=1.21 per 5 years), African-American race (OR=1.64), history of any urine leakage (OR=2.17), swelling in feet and legs (OR=1.67), and hypertension (OR=1.62). Higher education was protective (OR=0.92).

CONCLUSION

Nocturia in community-dwelling older adults is a common symptom associated with male sex, African-American race, and some medical conditions. Given the significant morbidity associated with nocturia, any evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms should include assessment for the presence of nocturia.

A systematic evaluation of factors associated with nocturia--the population-based FINNO study

In a case-control study with prevalence sampling, the authors explored the correlates for nocturia and their population-level impact. In 2003–2004, questionnaires were mailed to 6,000 subjects (aged 18–79 years) randomly identified from the Finnish Population Register (62.4% participated; 53.7% were female). Questionnaires contained items on medical conditions, medications, lifestyle, sociodemographic and reproductive factors, urinary symptoms, and snoring. Nocturia was defined as ≥2 voids/night. In age-adjusted analyses, factors associated with nocturia were entered into a multivariate model. Backward elimination was used to select variables for the final model, with adjustment for confounding. Although numerous correlates were identified, none affected ≥50% of nocturia cases of both sexes. The factors with the greatest impact at the population level were (urinary) urgency (attributable number/1,000 subjects (AN) = 24), benign prostatic hyperplasia (AN = 19), and snoring (AN = 16) for men and overweight and obesity (AN = 40), urgency (AN = 24), and snoring (AN = 17) for women. Moreover, correlates included prostate cancer and antidepressant use for men, coronary artery disease and diabetes for women, and restless legs syndrome and obesity for both sexes. Although several correlates were identified, none accounted for a substantial proportion of the population burden, highlighting the multifactorial etiology of nocturia.

Short sleep duration as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with hypertension

BACKGROUND

It is not known whether short duration of sleep is a predictor of future cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis that short duration of sleep is independently associated with incident cardiovascular diseases (CVD), we performed ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring in 1255 subjects with hypertension (mean [SD] age, 70.4 [9.9] years) and followed them for a mean period of 50 (23) months. Short sleep duration was defined as less than 7.5 hours (20th percentile). Multivariable Cox hazard models predicting CVD events were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for short sleep duration. A riser pattern was defined when mean nighttime systolic BP exceeded daytime systolic BP. The end point was a cardiovascular event: stroke, fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), and sudden cardiac death.

RESULTS

In multivariable analyses, short duration of sleep (<7.5 hours) was associated with incident CVD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.68; 95% CI, 1.06-2.66; P = .03). A synergistic interaction was observed between short sleep duration and the riser pattern (P = .09). When subjects were classified according to their sleep time and a riser vs nonriser pattern, the group with shorter sleep duration plus the riser pattern had a substantially and significantly higher incidence of CVD than the group with predominant normal sleep duration plus the nonriser pattern (HR, 4.43; 95% CI, 2.09-9.39; P < .001), independent of covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Short duration of sleep is associated with incident CVD risk and the combination of the riser pattern and short duration of sleep that is most strongly predictive of future CVD, independent of ambulatory BP levels. Physicians should inquire about sleep duration in the risk assessment of patients with hypertension.

Reproductive factors associated with nocturia and urinary urgency in women: a population-based study in Finland

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of nocturia and urinary urgency with reproductive factors, including parity, the postpartum period, the menopause, hormone replacement therapy, hysterectomy, and surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

STUDY DESIGN

In 2003-2004, questionnaires eliciting urinary symptoms, reproductive factors, SUI surgery, and potential confounders were mailed to 3000 randomly selected women aged 18-79 years, identified from the Finnish Population Register. Nocturia was defined as 2 or more voids/night. Sudden compelling desire to urinate often or always (scale of never, rarely, often, always) was regarded as urgency. Pregnant and puerperal (6 weeks after delivery) women and those reporting urinary tract infection were excluded.

RESULTS

Responses totaled 2002 (67%). Parity, postpartum (defined as six weeks to one year after delivery) and postmenopausal periods were associated with increased nocturia and SUI surgery with increased urgency (adjusted for age, comorbidity, medication, anthropometric, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors). Hormone therapy and hysterectomy were associated with neither symptom.

CONCLUSION

Reproductive factors associated with nocturia differed from those related to urgency.

Self-reported napping and duration and quality of sleep in the lifestyle interventions and independence for elders pilot study

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of self-reported napping and its association with subjective nighttime sleep duration and quality, as measured according to sleep-onset latency and sleep efficiency.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot Study.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling older adults (N=414) aged 70 to 89.

MEASUREMENTS

Self-report questionnaire on napping and sleep derived from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale.

RESULTS

Fifty-four percent of participants reported napping, with mean nap duration of 55.0+/-41.2 minutes. Nappers were more likely to be male (37.3% vs 23.8%, P=.003) and African American (20.4% vs 14.4%, P=.06) and to have diabetes mellitus (28% vs 14.3%, P=.007) than non-nappers. Nappers and non-nappers had similar nighttime sleep duration and quality, but nappers spent approximately 10% of their 24-hour sleep occupied in napping. In a multivariate model, the odds of napping were higher for subjects with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR)=1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2-3.0) and men (OR=1.9, 95% CI=1.2-3.0). In nappers, diabetes mellitus (beta=12.3 minutes, P=.005), male sex (beta=9.0 minutes, P=.04), higher body mass index (beta=0.8 minutes, P=.02), and lower Mini-Mental State Examination score (beta=2.2 minutes, P=.03) were independently associated with longer nap duration.

CONCLUSION

Napping was a common practice in community-dwelling older adults and did not detract from nighttime sleep duration or quality. Given its high prevalence and association with diabetes mellitus, napping behavior should be assessed as part of sleep behavior in future research and in clinical practice.