October 31, 2009: Heart failure refers to the condition wherein the heart fails to pump blood the way it normally does. The amount of blood being pumped out may reach very low quantities wherein it can lead to life threatening situations.

Individuals who have experienced heart failure are generally placed under a lot of stress. Such individuals are expected to bring about changes in their lifestyle and diet patterns to a significant extent. They are also advised to lead a depression free life in order to reduce the risk of recurrence of heart failure as it may be fatal. However, several factors have been noted to increase the risk of depression in heart failure patients which tends to decrease the quality of life and increase the risk of death from subsequent attacks.

A study conducted in North Carolina noted that bladder problems in patients with heart failure significantly increase the depression rates in such patients. It was also noted that bladder problems were associated with evidence of late stage heart failures, increased fatigue and higher body mass index scores in patients with heart failure. Thereby it is proposed that taking steps to control bladder problems can result in a significant decrease in the depression rates in heart failure patients.

Individuals who have suffered heart failure should undergo evaluation of bladder function either to identify or to rule out the presence of bladder problems. Addressing the problems if any can significantly reduce the amount of depression and improve the life expectancy in heart failure patients.

Source: Palmer MH, Hardin SR, Behrend C, et al. Urinary incontinence and overactive bladder in patients with heart failure. J Urol.2009; 182(1):196-202.