Disorders of Uric Acid Metabolism
High Uric Acid Levels: Beyond Gout
Elevated uric acid levels not only cause gout but are increasingly recognized as being closely linked to other conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome. High serum uric acid is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and kidney diseases. Among patients with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, or treated hypertension, elevated uric acid levels are three times more common.
What is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a byproduct of purines, which are components of proteins. Purines are partially produced during digestion in the gastrointestinal tract and are also released from dying cells. Uric acid is the final breakdown product of purines and enters the bloodstream. In healthy individuals, about two-thirds of uric acid is excreted through the kidneys, while the remaining third is eliminated through digestive secretions and sweat. A balance is maintained between its production and excretion.
When this regulation is disrupted, uric acid accumulates within cells and the extracellular space. A classic manifestation is a gout attack, typically characterized by swelling, redness, and severe pain in the big toe, making movement or touch extremely painful. Gout commonly affects men around the ages of 40–50 and women post-menopause. Elevated uric acid levels can also occur during cancer treatments, infections, or fasting, increasing the likelihood of gout attacks.
Gout and Its Causes
Gout often runs in families and can result from either increased production or decreased excretion of uric acid. Secondary forms are influenced by factors such as obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Recent studies highlight that treating elevated uric acid is crucial, not only to prevent chronic joint problems caused by gout but also because high uric acid levels significantly increase cardiovascular risk.
Treatment
In addition to medication, dietary management plays a crucial role in treatment. Our dietitian is available to provide personalized dietary guidance as needed.