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| Dianna Malkowski |
Since
1963, February has marked the celebration of American Heart Month, when
American Heart Association volunteers share information about heart disease and
stroke and raise funds for research and education. There are certain
heart-related illnesses and medications known to contribute to incontinence. To
best manage incontinence, it’s important to recognize and treat the underlying
causes.
Heart disease
and incontinence
Heart
disease affects the bladder in several ways. It can cause excessive urination
or urine buildup, leading to urge incontinence. Peripheral vascular disease, a
heart-related condition caused by blocked arteries in the arms and legs,
hinders mobility, making it difficult to reach the bathroom in time.
If
heart disease progresses to congestive heart failure, the patient experiences
increased fluid output, which can lead to incontinence because of rapid and
excessive filling of the bladder. High blood pressure, cholesterol and heart
disease also can lead to stroke.
Other
illnesses that can contribute to incontinence include diabetes, prostate
problems, Alzheimer’s and nerve damage. In addition, conditions that restrict
mobility contribute to functional incontinence; these include arthritis,
Parkinson’s disease and eyesight problems.
Treating
these underlying health conditions may improve incontinence symptoms. Here are
some strategies your cardiologist may recommend:
- Eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, fish and lean meats.
- Cut out unhealthy fats, sugars and salt.
- Participate in an exercise program based on your level of mobility.
- Reduce stress and quit unhealthy habits like smoking.
Effect of
medications on the bladder
Many
types of medications affect the bladder and its ability to function properly.
Heart and blood pressure medications, or calcium channel blockers, can affect
bladder muscles and cause urinary retention and overflow incontinence.
Diuretics,
or water pills, taken to flush excess water from the body, are often used to
treat high blood pressure, edema, heart failure and other health problems.
Diuretics can contribute to incontinence, especially among older individuals or
those with already impaired continence.
Sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, sedatives and hypnotics—or even alcohol—can cause confusion and an inability to know when it’s time to void the bladder. Other medications to watch out for include narcotics, antihistamines, antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs, which can contribute to immobility.
Talk
to your doctor about any medications you or your loved one are taking to
determine whether they are contributing to incontinence and how to best manage
your condition. Ask if there are any nondrug therapies you can try, such as
lowering blood pressure through a device like RESPeRATE, which
can reduce blood pressure through the use of bio feedback or deep-breathing
exercises, which has been proven in clinical studies.
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