Gout and elevated blood uric acid are both common conditions in the United States. Gout affects nearly 4 percent of the population, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2008 (NHANES). This is 8.3 million people. Even more alarming is the fact that the incidence of gout has increased by more than twice in the past two decades. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including an increase in the incidence of other medical conditions that could lead to gout.
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These diseases include high blood lipids, diabetes and obesity. These conditions are often called the “metabolic syndrome” because they all come together. The metabolic syndrome is a result of the lifestyle choices that are so common in the United States. Gout has a huge economic impact. This is due to increased visits to the doctor, increased emergency room visits, and increased medication costs. Gout can also be associated with other medical conditions, which, as we have already mentioned, can be expensive.
Gout is not a painful form arthritis. Gout is now considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to its association with the above conditions. This elevated risk is independent from other factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and age.
Kidneys
Gout and kidney disease are another disturbing association. Gout can lead to kidney disease in which the kidneys don’t work at 100% efficiency. Because uric acids are excreted through kidneys, there is less excretion and consequently gradual accumulation which leads to higher blood levels. This creates a vicious circle as high blood levels of uric acids can worsen kidney disease. It has been shown that uric acid can cause inflammation of blood vessels, which could lead to kidney damage and possibly the cardiac problems described earlier. About 60% of people suffering from gout have some form of kidney dysfunction.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) and colchicine, which are used to treat acute cases of gout, can have a negative effect on kidney function. Allopurinol, a traditional medicine that reduces serum uric acid must also be adjusted for kidney abnormalities.