Symptoms of High Uric Acid

Feb 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I have felt that my uric acid levels might be a bit high. May I ask, what are the symptoms of high uric acid?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng

High uric acid, medically known as hyperuricemia, is a condition caused by abnormal purine metabolism in the human body, leading to either excessive production of uric acid or reduced excretion. Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism. Under normal circumstances, the uric acid produced in the body is excreted through the kidneys and intestines, maintaining stable levels in the blood. When excess uric acid is produced or its excretion is impaired, the concentration of uric acid in the blood rises, potentially causing various health problems. Common manifestations of high uric acid include:

1. Gout: Elevated uric acid levels can lead to deposition of urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues, causing symptoms of gout such as joint redness, swelling, and pain. This is one of the most prominent clinical manifestations of high uric acid.

2. Uric acid stones: When uric acid cannot be excreted normally from the body, it accumulates and forms uric acid stones, affecting the health of the urinary system.

3. Hyperuricemia: A persistent elevation of uric acid levels beyond the normal range results in hyperuricemia, which is the direct manifestation of high uric acid.

4. Metabolic syndrome: Hyperuricemia is closely associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

5. Increased nocturnal urination: Since uric acid needs to be excreted through urine, high uric acid levels can lead to increased urine production, especially frequent nighttime urination.