Assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms among calcium channel blocker-users and its impact on quality of life

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms among calcium channel blocker users, and the impact on patients' quality of life.

METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted at one hospital and 2 community pharmacies in Lahore, Pakistan, from November 2017 to July 2018, and comprised patients using calcium channel blockers. Data was collected using standardised scales to assess lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.

RESULTS: Of the 410 subjects, 315 (76.8%) were males. The overall median age was 50.84 years, IQR 19 with 126 (30.7%) aged 41-50 years. Of the total, 108 (26.3%) patients were on calcium channel blockers alone, while the rest were taking it in combination with other drugs. Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms was 307 (74.9%); mild 103 (25.1%), moderate 201 (49.1%) and severe 106 (25.9%). The symptoms were significantly associated with reduced quality of life (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Majority calcium channel blockers users had clinically significant lower urinary tract symptoms which significantly reduced patients' quality of life.