Effects of Hypertension on Urological Health - Intersections between Urology and Cardiology: A Literature Review

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594802427088

• Palavras-chave: Hipertensão; Saúde Urológica; Doença Renal Crônica; Disfunção Erétil; Interseções Cardiologia-Urologia.

• Keywords: Hypertension; Urological Health; Chronic Kidney Disease; Erectile Dysfunction; Cardiovascular-Urology Intersections.

• Abstract: Objectives: This literature review aims to explore the relationship between hypertension and urological health, with a specific focus on chronic kidney disease (CKD), urinary tract disorders, and erectile dysfunction (ED). The review also examines the intersections between cardiology and urology, highlighting shared pathophysiological mechanisms and the impact of antihypertensive therapy on urological outcomes. The secondary objective is to identify gaps in the current literature and suggest directions for future research. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The search focused on peer-reviewed articles published in English, with a date range from 1990 to 2023. Key terms included "hypertension," "urological health," "chronic kidney disease," "erectile dysfunction," and "antihypertensive therapy." Studies were selected based on their relevance to the topic, with inclusion criteria emphasizing clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses. Data were extracted and analyzed to identify key themes, patterns, and trends related to the intersection of urology and cardiology. Results: The review identified several significant findings, including the shared role of endothelial dysfunction in linking hypertension with CKD, urinary tract disorders, and ED. Hypertension was found to exacerbate these conditions, while they, in turn, can worsen hypertensive states. The impact of antihypertensive medications was mixed, with some drugs, like beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics, associated with adverse urological effects, while others, such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs, showed potential benefits. The review also highlighted significant gaps in the literature, including a lack of longitudinal studies, insufficient focus on female urological health, and underexplored psychological factors. Conclusion: The review underscores the intricate connections between cardiovascular and urological health, advocating for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to patient care. Future research should focus on long-term studies, the development of integrated treatment protocols, and addressing gender disparities in urological research. By fostering collaboration between cardiologists and urologists, healthcare providers can improve outcomes for patients with hypertension and associated urological conditions.