To test the potential role of atherosclerosis in the development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), we investigated the association between vascular risk factors and LUTS in both sexes.

Men and women participating in a health screening project completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). In parallel all individuals underwent a detailed health investigation with assessment of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and nicotine use.

A total of 1724 men (52.3±9.1yr, mean±standard deviation; IPSS: 6.3±4.3) and 812 women (56.0±9.9 yr; IPSS: 5.2±4.9) entered the study. A total of 62.5% (n=1077) of men had no vascular risk factor, 32.1% (n=554) one, and 5.4% (n=93) two or more; the corresponding figures for women were 64.7% (n=525), 30.7% (n=249), and 4.7% (n=38). In men, the IPSS was identical in those with no (6.2±4.1) and one (6.2±4.4) vascular risk factor yet increased to 7.7±5.5 (+24.2%) in those with two or more risk factors (p=0.01). In women, the IPSS increased from 4.8±4.6 in those with no vascular risk factor to 5.7±5.3 (+18.7%) with one and 7.0±5.7 (+45.8%) with two or more factors (p=0.05).

Our data suggest that vascular risk factors play a role in the development of LUTS in both sexes. This observation opens new aspects in our understanding of the pathogenesis of LUTS and warrants future studies.