Gout Should Not Be Ignored, Doctor Says It Can Trigger Heart Disease
Gout has long been associated with attacks of pain and swelling in the joints. However, people with this condition also need to pay attention to the risk of heart disease. A number of studies show that gout sufferers have a higher risk of developing heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia or heart rhythm disorders.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, the link between gout and heart disease is quite complex and not yet fully understood. However, there are several plausible explanations, one of which is that the two diseases share some of the same risk factors.
“When talking about steps that can be taken, especially lifestyle factors such as diet, what is good for gout is also good for your heart,” said Dr Robert Shmerling, senior editor of Harvard Health Publishing and former clinical chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Gout occurs when too much uric acid builds up in the bloodstream. Under normal conditions, the body can remove this waste product efficiently, mainly through urine. However, in gout sufferers, the body either produces too much uric acid or is unable to remove it in sufficient quantities. In some cases, both conditions can occur simultaneously. As a result, uric acid accumulates in the blood and body tissues. Occasionally, the substance forms needle-like crystals inside the joints. The immune system then reacts to these crystals, causing the joint pain and swelling known as a gout attack.
The exact cause of gout is not yet fully known. Genetic factors are thought to play a role, but a number of health conditions can also increase the risk. Shmerling said that several conditions that can raise uric acid levels and make a person more susceptible to gout are also risk factors for heart disease. Most gout sufferers have at least one of these conditions, namely obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
“Some conditions can increase uric acid levels and make you potentially develop gout, and some of them are also risk factors for heart disease,” said Shmerling.
This means the relationship between gout and cardiovascular disease does not stand alone. Metabolic factors accompanying a person with high uric acid can also contribute to their heart health. These findings are the reason gout sufferers need to focus not only on treating joint pain. Timely treatment and lifestyle changes are also important to help protect the joints while maintaining heart health. A lifestyle that supports gout control, especially maintaining body weight, paying attention to diet, and controlling blood pressure and diabetes, can at the same time provide benefits for cardiovascular health.