Is nocturia an unrecognized symptom of uncontrolled hypertension in black men?

This study investigated if nocturia is common in black men with uncontrolled hypertension. They found that nocturia is common in these patients.

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common condition. Hypertension is very common in non-Hispanic black people. The death rate from hypertension is highest in black men. Men are less likely to manage hypertension well. Uncontrolled hypertension is very common in black men. It is also associated with other conditions. Nocturia is one of these. Nocturia is an increased urge to void (urinate) at night. Nocturia leads to sleep disturbance and reduced quality of life. 

Patients with hypertension may also experience nocturia. Increased BP can lead to an increase in urine production at night. This is called nocturnal polyuria (NP). Waking at night to urinate causes an increase in BP. This forms a cycle that leads to worsening nocturia. This has a negative effect on sleep and quality of life. It can also increase the risk of cardiac events such as heart attack and stroke. It is unclear if nocturia is a significant symptom in black men with uncontrolled hypertension.

This study included 1673 men aged 35-49 years. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire on urinary frequency. This included the number of nighttime voids. BP was also measured.

43.9% of patients had hypertension. 15% of patients were on BP-lowering treatment. Hypertension was present in 53% men with nocturia and 40% without. Men with hypertension were 56% more likely to have nocturia. Men with uncontrolled hypertension were 2.63 times more likely to have nocturia. Patients with treatment-controlled hypertension had similar nocturia rates to participants with normal BP. Men with nocturia had a 2.47 times higher chance of having high BP. 

The authors concluded that nocturia is common in black men with uncontrolled hypertension.

This study suggests a link between nocturia and hypertension. It is not clear if nocturia causes hypertension. It is also unclear if hypertension causes nocturia. More investigation is needed. 

If you have any concerns regarding hypertension or nocturia, please consult with your doctor.