A Japanese study indicates that if you need to urinate at night, which is called nocturia, you may have high blood pressure and/or excess fluid in your body. If you continue to have nocturia, ask your doctor to check your blood pressure. Also, watch your salt intake.
High salt intake associated with the urge to urinate at night
Previous research from Japan found that high salt intake is associated with nocturia. Compared to Western countries, the Japanese eat more salt and are more likely to be “salt sensitive”, which means that their blood pressure increases more when they consume it. Together, these two factors mean that the Japanese have a higher risk of suffering from high blood pressure.
Tension-nocturia: a significant association
This study investigated the link between nocturia and hypertension in the general Japanese population. It was carried out on 3749 residents of Watari who underwent an annual health check-up in 2017. Blood pressure was measured and information on nocturia was obtained by questionnaire. Participants with blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher or prescribed antihypertensive medications were considered hypertensive.
Nocturia was significantly associated with hypertension. The risk of hypertension increased significantly as the number of nocturnal trips to the toilet per night increased.
A 40% increase in the risk of hypertension
This research found that getting up at night to urinate was linked to a 40% increased risk of hypertension. The more you go to the toilet, the higher the risk of hypertension.
Of the 1,882 participants who responded to the questionnaire, 1,295 (69%) had nocturia. The relationship can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle, salt intake, ethnicity and genetics.
Hypertension: a global disease
More than a billion people suffer from high blood pressure worldwide. High blood pressure is the world’s leading cause of premature death. A healthy lifestyle is also advised, including salt restriction, alcohol moderation, healthy diet, regular exercise, weight control, and smoking cessation.
Source:
Tomohiro Matsuo. Daily salt intake is an independent risk factor for pollakiuria and nocturia. doi.org/10.1111/iju.13321
