What disease is associated with high uric acid?

Feb 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I saw online that having high uric acid is a disease. May I ask, what kind of disease is high uric acid?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng

Elevated uric acid levels may indicate various diseases, including endocrine disorders, hyperuricemia, gout, hepatitis, and nephritis. It is usually caused by impaired purine metabolism or reduced excretion of uric acid. Specifically, uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism in the human body. Under normal circumstances, the body excretes excess uric acid through urine. However, when uric acid levels become too high, it may trigger a series of health problems. Long-term hyperuricemia may lead to the following diseases:

1. Gout: This is the most direct and common complication of hyperuricemia. When the concentration of uric acid in the blood becomes too high, urate crystals can form and deposit in joints, soft tissues, and the kidneys, causing acute inflammatory reactions and symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the joints.

2. Uric acid kidney stones: Urate crystals deposited in the kidneys may form kidney stones, leading to symptoms such as flank pain and hematuria.

3. Chronic kidney disease: Long-term hyperuricemia may also impair kidney function and accelerate the progression of chronic kidney disease.

4. Cardiovascular diseases: Furthermore, hyperuricemia is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease, and heart failure.

If elevated uric acid levels are present, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician.