Urological Implications Of Falls in the Elderly: Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms And Alpha-Blocker Medications.

Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In prospective studies, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have been shown to be an independent risk factor for falls. Alpha-blockers, frequently used to treat LUTS and benign prostatic hyperplasia, can increase the risk of falls in the elderly due to their class effect of orthostatic hypotension. In the urology setting, risk factors for falls may be addressed through evaluation and counseling, and by careful selection and monitoring of medications for LUTS.