Every September 29th, World Heart Day is celebrated, a key date for raising awareness about the importance of caring for the cardiovascular system. But beyond the risk of heart attack or hypertension, did you know that a weakened heart can also affect your prostate and urological health?
From the Urology team at Clínica Premium, we want to explain how poor heart function can impact essential areas of men's health, such as the urinary system and sexual function. The connection may surprise you. When the heart fails, the whole body notices..
Weakened heart and reduced blood flow
When the heart is not functioning properly—as occurs in cases of heart failure or coronary artery disease—cardiac output decreases, meaning the amount of blood the heart is able to pump to the rest of the body. This reduction directly impacts systemic circulation, including pelvic microcirculation, which is essential for oxygenating organs such as the prostate, bladder, and penis.
Pelvic microcirculation, a key network for urological health
Endothelial dysfunction and hypoxia: What do they mean? Endothelial dysfunction, very common in patients with cardiovascular disease, prevents blood vessels from dilating properly. This affects the microcirculation—the smallest vessels responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the tissues—and can lead to a state of chronic hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the pelvic region.
This phenomenon has direct consequences on prostate tissue:
- Changes in tissue: Hypoxia stimulates cellular remodeling and may promote abnormal prostate growth.
- Chronic inflammation: Oxidative stress caused by a lack of oxygen is related to processes such as chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Increased risk of urinary symptoms: such as urgency, weak stream, urinary frequency, or a feeling of incomplete emptying.
Urinary and cardiovascular health: why are they so connected?
Multiple studies have shown that men with cardiovascular risk factors—hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, or smoking—are more likely to experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and BPH.
This is partly explained by the combined effect of chronic inflammation, impaired blood flow, and disruption of the neurovascular mechanisms that control urination.
From our urology unit, we comprehensively evaluate both prostate function and cardiovascular risk factors in our patients, especially from the age of 45.
Erectile dysfunction: a sentinel symptom of heart disease
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not just a sexual problem. In many cases, it is one of the first signs of cardiovascular disease.
This is because both erectile dysfunction (ED) and heart disease share a common pathophysiological basis: atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries) and endothelial dysfunction. Both processes reduce blood flow to the penis and other sexual organs, affecting the quality of erections and sexual performance.
What does this mean for you?
If you experience persistent erectile dysfunction, it's crucial that you don't ignore it. It could be an early sign of coronary artery disease or other undiagnosed cardiovascular problems.
What measures can you take?
From a urological and cardiological perspective, comprehensive prevention is key to preserving health. Recommendations from our medical team:
- Cardiovascular risk assessment, especially if urological symptoms are already present.
- Regular checkups of the prostate and urinary function starting at age 45.
- Heart-healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and low in sugars and ultra-processed foods.
- Quit smoking, as tobacco accelerates vascular deterioration.
- Regular physical activity: at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week.
- Stress management, which also generally influences men's health.
In summary, the heart and the prostate are more connected than it seems.
World Heart Day is a perfect opportunity to remember that men's health is holistic. Taking care of your heart also means protecting your quality of life, your urinary and sexual function, and preventing future urological complications.
At Urovinci and Clínica Premium, we work in a multidisciplinary way to offer a comprehensive approach to men's health. If you've noticed changes in your sexual or urinary function, or simply want a complete checkup, schedule an appointment with our urology team.