Cutting prostate and hypertension woes.

The prescription drug terazosin is a safe and effective treatment for both high blood pressure and the symptoms of an enlarged prostate--medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an Ohio State University study shows. "For men over 45 who have hypertension and BPH, terazosin not only reduced their elevated blood pressure, it also significantly improved their BPH symptoms," indicates Robert Guthrie, associate professor of pharmacology and family medicine.

The results suggest that all men currently suffering from BPH symptoms, which can include a frequent urge to urinate and difficulty doing so when the bladder feels full, can receive safe, significant relief without surgery. Whether the drug will prevent these men from eventually needing prostate surgery remains to be seen.

Development of a non-surgical treatment for BPH is a high priority among physicians and researchers, Guthrie points out. "Prostate surgery is not 100% successful and it can have side...