Treating the Whole Patient: BPH and Beyond

Urologists are encouraged to look beyond the prostate and consider other diseases that may be afflicting their patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Preliminary evidence suggests that many BPH patients also have high blood pressure or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which raises the possibility of combined treatment for these disorders. The selective alpha1-blockers, such as doxazosin, are effective and well tolerated, and provide lasting relief of BPH-related symptoms. In addition, doxazosin is a first-line antihypertensive agent that may have a favorable effect on other cardiovascular risk factors. The long half-life of doxazosin allows for once-daily dosing, which may improve compliance. Taken together, the articles in this supplement provide a comprehensive overview of the role of doxazosin in the treatment of the whole patient.