Uric acid, a byproduct of purine breakdown from food, is typically filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. When this process is disrupted, blood uric acid levels rise. Managing high uric acid involves medication, dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and routine check-ups. Elevated uric acid can also signal underlying health conditions.

Gout

Gout is a common condition linked to elevated blood uric acid. This form of arthritis results from uric acid crystals depositing in joints, causing severe pain, swelling, redness, and edema. The condition often has a sudden onset and can be debilitating.

Diagnosis typically relies on blood uric acid tests and joint fluid analysis to identify crystal deposits. Treatment includes medication to lower uric acid and restricting purine-rich foods such as seafood, organ meats, and red meat.

Kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease reduces the kidneys' ability to remove uric acid from the blood, leading to increased uric acid levels. This condition can trigger gout or the formation of kidney stones. Uric acid tests help assess kidney function and pinpoint the cause of elevated levels.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of factors that heighten the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Its primary cause is insulin resistance, where cells do not respond effectively to insulin. This leads to high blood sugar, prompting the pancreas to produce more insulin, and sometimes increasing uric acid. The syndrome typically presents with high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Treatment involves lifestyle changes and medication to manage risk factors.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, potentially causing metabolic abnormalities like hyperuricemia (elevated blood uric acid). Thyroid hormones play a role in purine metabolism; their deficiency can disrupt this process, leading to higher uric acid levels. Common signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, and cold sensitivity.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder where skin cells multiply faster than normal, forming thick patches. This condition features systemic inflammation, which can impact uric acid metabolism and elevate levels of this waste product. The inflammation associated with psoriasis can worsen or trigger gout, as both conditions involve uric acid formation.

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