Evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness and cardiovascular risk factors in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

Objective: To assess the carotid intima-media thickness and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Material and methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted over two years in 100 patients who presented with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). IPSS questionnaire was used to evaluate the symptomatology of BPH. Patients were examined for cardiovascular risk factors. All patients underwent echocardiographic examination for left ventricular function. A single experienced sonographer, blinded to all clinical information, assessed the common carotid artery. 
Results: The patients mean age was 69.32 years. The mean BMI was 28.91 kg/m². Of the total mild symptom score cases, 75 % (N=6) cases had Grade I prostatomegaly (26 – 40 cc). 98.38 % (N=61) cases had Grade II prostatomegaly (41 – 60 cc), 93.33 % (N=28) cases had Grade III prostatomegaly (>60cc). A mean carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) of 0.56 mm was found in cases having mild IPSS scores (Score 1-7), 0.73 mm was found in cases having moderate IPSS score (Score 8-19), 0.92 mm was found in cases having severe IPSS scores (Score 20-35). Significant association was present between mean BMI, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and mean Carotid IMT with IPSS as p-value was <0.05. Significant association was present between total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and prostate volume with p-value <0.0001.
Conclusion: This study found that prostatic tissue had a strong relationship with carotid IMT and cardiovascular risk factors in BPH patients. These data suggest a possible link between carotid IMT and cardiovascular risk factors and BPH.