Gout Causes & Risks

Causes

Gout typically occurs if you have high levels of uric acid in your blood (called hyperuricemia). But, you could also have normal uric levels and still have gout.

The liver metabolizes uric acid, and the kidneys get rid of it through the urine. Levels of uric acid build up when:

Too much uric acid is produced
Not enough uric acid is eliminated

If you have gout and hyperuricemia, your body doesn't eliminate enough uric acid.

Risk Factors

These factors increase your chance of developing gout. All causes of hyperuricemia are risk factors for gout.

Risk factors include:

Obesity , sudden weight gain, or rapid weight loss
Age: over 40 years old
Sex: male
Family members with gout
Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide
Certain medications, such as aspirin
High-purine diet (uric acid occurs when purines are broken down), for example:
- Liver and other organ meats
- Dried beans and peas
- Anchovies
- Gravies
Alcohol use , especially binge drinking
Certain types of cancer or cancer treatments (eg, cytotoxic drugs)
Medications (eg, antiseizure, anti-rejection medications)
Dehydration
Hypercholesterolemia
Kidney disease

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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