Can Urinary Incontinence Be a Sign of Heart Problems in Women?

Unable to make it to the bathroom in time? Peeing when you cough, laugh, or exercise? Bladder leaks can feel like they’re “just a urinary problem,” but they can sometimes signal an underlying health issue.

New data from a 2025 study of over 20,000 women suggests a connection between urinary incontinence (UI) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. While this research doesn't concretely prove that bladder leakage can cause cardiovascular disease or vice versa, it does show a correlation.

This article shares simple steps you can take to support your bladder and heart health, including how to check if you qualify for free bladder control supplies like women’s pads or diapers.

Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of bladder control that leads to unintentional leakage, affects millions of adults across the United States. Worldwide, 423 million people over the age of 20 experience some form of urinary incontinence in their lives. 

Both men and women can experience bladder leakage; however, research published in the National Library of Medicine notes that the “prevalence of incontinence in men of all ages is certainly lower than that for women.”

While incontinence is also less common in younger women, symptoms often begin to emerge before or during menopause — particularly urge incontinence — steadily rising between the ages of 60 and 80.

A single issue rarely causes urinary incontinence. Instead, it’s frequently linked to a range of underlying health conditions. In women, urinary incontinence may stem from hormonal shifts, potentially due to:

• Menstruation

• Perimenopause or menopause.

• Pregnancy

Having an increased urge to use the bathroom may also be the result of:

• Pelvic floor trauma from childbirth.

• Cancer or cancer treatments.

There are also shared factors that can contribute to UI in both men and women, including:

• Aging

• Diabetes

• Obesity

• Urinary obstructions or blockages.

• Side effects from medications. 

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Neurological conditions (such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or multiple sclerosis).

• Tobacco use.

• Bladder irritants (like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods).

• Constipation

• Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

While pelvic health, hormone levels, and childbirth have long been seen as primary factors of urinary incontinence, new research suggests that urinary leaks may put women at a greater risk for heart problems.

Studies indicate that women with UI may be more at risk for CVD, pointing to a more systemic relationship between the heart, blood flow, and bladder function. This shines light on the importance of viewing UI not just as a standalone issue, but as a potential early sign of broader health concerns.

In their 2025 study, Iowa researchers highlighted the possible connection between patients who experience urinary incontinence and cardiovascular disease risk factors or events, such as:

• Dyslipidemia (cholesterol and fat levels in the blood).

• Type 2 diabetes.

• Stroke

• Bypass graft.

Researchers concluded that more studies are needed to clarify the exact link, and that women should be screened regularly for cardiovascular disease if they have urinary incontinence.

If you’ve been diagnosed with urinary incontinence / bladder leakage and are concerned about the link to heart health risks, remember that new research aims to raise awareness around the possible connection, not alarm.

Emerging studies identifying connections between bladder health and other possible conditions can be used as reminders that taking care of one part of your health is important for your overall health.

Remember: just because you’re diagnosed with urinary incontinence doesn't mean you’ll develop cardiovascular disease. However, it’s always a good idea to communicate with your healthcare provider about any of your heart health or incontinence concerns.

Alongside physical discomfort, UI can take a toll on emotional well-being, often leading to embarrassment, social withdrawal, and a reduced quality of life. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Use these tips to confidently manage your incontinence symptoms and keep your heart health a priority.

Being open and honest with your doctor can help you manage your incontinence symptoms and address any concerns about how your condition may affect your heart health.

Speaking up about your UI symptoms may feel difficult, especially if you haven't been open about them before, but it's the best way to identify which type of incontinence you have and get a proper diagnosis. From there, they’ll be able to monitor your symptoms, offer medical advice, and develop a treatment plan. This might include prescribing you free incontinence supplies like diapers or women’s adult diapers if you have Medicaid or insurance.

As you prepare for your appointment to discuss incontinence, remember to inform them about all of your health concerns, including risk factors for heart disease, your blood pressure, and any history of diabetes or high cholesterol.

Ignoring bladder leaks often makes them worse and can lead to problems like UTIs or irritated skin, so it’s worth dealing with sooner rather than later. 

When you see your healthcare provider, ask whether your treatment plan includes bladder control supplies. Being honest with your doctor about when you leak urine and how often will allow them to prescribe the right incontinence products for you, such as:

• Bladder control pads.

• Women’s pull-ons.

• Women’s adult briefs.

These will help you stay clean, dry, and confident. You may qualify for these free supplies through Aeroflow Urology if Medicaid or your insurance covers them. If you do, we’ll ship them to you monthly in discreet packaging.

While bladder control products can help you stay dry and comfortable, a few everyday habits can also ease UI symptoms and support your heart health:

• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy proteins/fats. If you can, cut back on common bladder irritants like spicy foods, tomato-based foods, highly processed foods, carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Whatever a healthy weight looks like for your body, try to maintain it. Obesity and abdominal weight gain have been linked to the onset or worsening UI symptoms due to the pressure extra weight places on the bladder and pelvic floor.

• Stay active: Physical activity isn't just great for your heart, it’s also for your pelvic floor! Regular exercise and incorporating pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, can strengthen your pelvic muscles and keep your heart healthy.

• Ditch smoking: Smoking tobacco has been linked to UI, so talk with your healthcare provider about how to quit if possible.

• Take care of your mental health: Stress and anxiety have been connected to worsening UI symptoms, so try calming habits like walking, journaling, meditation, or gentle exercise.

Bladder leakage shouldn’t keep you from feeling confident or from getting the care you need. If you’re noticing urinary incontinence and are concerned it may be related to a heart problem, the best first step is to talk with your healthcare provider.

If your doctor is on file, we can work directly with your doctor and insurance to confirm whether you qualify for free women’s bladder control supplies. 

Once you find out if you qualify, we ship your supplies each month in discreet packaging right to your door. Reordering your no-cost supplies is also easy with one-click emails and one-word “Yes” replies to reorder texts.

Start saving up to $630 each month on supplies like women’s briefs or pads.

References

Leslie, Stephen W., Tran, Linh N., & Puckett, Yana. (2024). Urinary incontinence. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. 

National Association for Continence. (n.d.). The true impact of incontinence.

Nitti, V. W. (2001). The Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence. Reviews in Urology, 3(Suppl 1), S2-S6. 

Office of Strategic Communication. (2025, April 15). Iowa researchers find possible link between urinary incontinence, cardiovascular disease. Iowa Now.

Disclaimer

Information provided on the Aeroflow Urology blog is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or care from a healthcare professional. Aeroflow recommends consulting your healthcare provider if you are experiencing medical issues relating to incontinence.