Hyperuricemia is very common. It’s usually diagnosed after gout or kidney stones cause symptoms. Following a diet low in purines is the best way to prevent hyperuricemia (and lower uric acid levels).
What is hyperuricemia?
“Hyperuricemia” is the medical term for having high uric acid levels in your body.
Uric acid is a waste product that’s created when your body breaks down chemicals called purines in food and drinks. Most uric acid dissolves in your blood, passes through your kidneys and leaves your body in your pee (urine). Hyperuricemia happens if too much uric acid stays in your body.
Hyperuricemia causes uric acid to clump together in sharp crystals. These crystals can settle in your joints and cause gout, a painful form of arthritis. They can also build up in your kidneys and form kidney stones.
Hyperuricemia is very treatable. You might need to change some aspects of your daily routine (like tweaking your diet or drinking more water). A healthcare provider might prescribe you medicine to lower your uric acid levels or treat any symptoms you’re experiencing.
How common is hyperuricemia?
Hyperuricemia is very common. One in 5 people has hyperuricemia.
Around 5% of people in the U.S. have gout. Men and people assigned male at birth are four times more likely to develop gout than women and people assigned female at birth.
How does hyperuricemia affect my body?
You might not notice you have hyperuricemia, especially if your levels are only slightly elevated. But over time, the buildup of uric acid in your blood can lead to pain and other symptoms. It can also cause damage throughout your body.
Untreated high uric acid levels can eventually lead to permanent damage in your:
- Bones.
- Joints.
- Tendons.
- Ligaments.
Research has also shown a link between high uric acid levels and other health conditions, including:
- Kidney disease.
- Heart disease.
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Fatty liver disease.
- Metabolic syndrome.
