Effect of bladder distension on blood pressure

In the healthy individual the blood pressure rises statistically significantly in response to bladder distension induced either by peroral ingestion of a larger amount of fluid or by filling through a catheter. The pulse rate does not change significantly. There is a positive correlation between the rise in blood pressure and the maximum of bladder pressure. Normal micturition has no influence on the blood pressure. When the bladder is empty voluntary contraction of the sphincters definitely elevates blood pressure. In acute retention of urine heart dysfunction and increased blood pressure could be observed in older patients. From this follows that distension of the bladder may influence through reflex pathways cardiovascular structures. Under certain circumstances this may be of clinical importance.