Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. While uric acid is a natural waste product formed when the body breaks down purines (substances found in certain foods and body cells), excess levels can lead to painful conditions like gout, kidney stones, and joint inflammation.

This condition is becoming increasingly common due to changes in diet, sedentary lifestyle, and rising cases of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Understanding the symptoms, causes, complications, and treatments of hyperuricemia is crucial to prevent long-term health issues.

What is Hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia occurs when the blood uric acid levels exceed the normal range:

• Men: > 7.0 mg/dL

• Women: > 6.0 mg/dL

Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. But when the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys cannot eliminate it efficiently, it leads to high levels in the blood.

Types of Hyperuricemia

1. Primary Hyperuricemia – Caused by genetic factors or metabolic disorders where the body naturally produces excess uric acid.

2. Secondary Hyperuricemia – Caused by lifestyle, diet, medications, or underlying health conditions such as kidney disease or cancer treatment.

Causes of Hyperuricemia

Several factors contribute to high uric acid levels, including:

1. Dietary Causes

   • High-purine foods: red meat, organ meats, shellfish

   • Alcohol, especially beer and spirits

   • Sugary beverages and foods rich in fructose

2. Medical Conditions

   • Kidney disease (reduced excretion of uric acid)

   • Hypothyroidism

   • Metabolic syndrome

   • Psoriasis

   • Cancer and chemotherapy

3. Medications

   • Diuretics (used for high blood pressure and heart failure)

   • Low-dose aspirin

   • Immunosuppressive drugs

4. Lifestyle Factors

   • Obesity

   • Sedentary lifestyle

   • High-stress levels

   • Dehydration

Symptoms of Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia itself may not always cause symptoms, which is why it’s often detected during routine blood tests. However, when it progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

• Unbearable joint pain (especially at night)

• Swelling and inflammation in the joints

• Restricted joint movement

• Pain in the big toe (common in gout)

• Kidney-related symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen due to kidney stones

• Fatigue and malaise in chronic cases

If left untreated, hyperuricemia can progress into gout, kidney disease, and cardiovascular complications.

Complications of Hyperuricemia

1. Gout
   A form of arthritis where urate crystals accumulate in joints, causing intense pain, redness, and swelling.

2. Kidney Stones
   Excess uric acid can crystallize in the kidneys, leading to painful stones.

3. Tophi Formation
   Deposits of uric acid crystals under the skin around joints.

4. Chronic Kidney Disease
   Persistent high uric acid can damage kidney function.

5. Heart Disease & Metabolic Syndrome
   Studies link high uric acid with increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.

Diagnosis of Hyperuricemia

1. Blood Test

• Serum uric acid level measurement.

2. Urine Test

• 24-hour urine uric acid excretion test to check if the body produces too much uric acid or if the kidneys are not excreting enough.

3. Imaging Tests

• X-rays and ultrasound to detect joint damage or urate crystals.

• CT scan for kidney stones.

Treatment of Hyperuricemia

The management of hyperuricemia depends on the underlying cause and severity.

1. Lifestyle Modifications

• Drink plenty of water (2–3 liters daily).

• Limit alcohol and sugary drinks.

• Reduce high-purine foods (red meat, seafood, organ meats).

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Regular exercise.

2. Medications

• Urate-lowering drugs: Allopurinol, Febuxostat

• Uricosuric agents: Probenecid (helps kidneys remove uric acid)

• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for pain relief during gout attacks

• Colchicine for reducing inflammation

3. Diet Management

Include:

• Low-fat dairy products

• Whole grains

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Coffee (in moderation) – studies show it may lower uric acid

• Vitamin C supplements (help reduce uric acid levels)

Preventing Hyperuricemia

• Routine health check-ups for serum uric acid levels

• Balanced diet with low purine foods

• Hydration to flush out uric acid

• Weight management to reduce risk of gout and kidney stones

• Avoid crash diets or high-protein diets which may worsen uric acid levels

Hyperuricemia and Diet Plan (Sample)

To get yourself tested for Uric Acid levels from the comforts of your own homes, call Sparsh Diagnostic Centre’s helpline number 9830117733.

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