What are the harms of hyperuricemia?

Endocrinology

Updated on September 14, 2024

00:00

What are the dangers of hyperuricemia?

First, it primarily causes gouty arthritis, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in certain joints, along with limited movement. For some people, the pain can be extremely unbearable.

Second, long-term high levels of uric acid can damage the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function.

Third, these purines deposit in the joints forming gout stones, further affecting the function of these joints and reducing the quality of life.

Therefore, it is important to treat hyperuricemia early to prevent complications.

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

47sec

How is hyperuricemia caused?

Hyperuricemia is mostly asymptomatic, meaning there are no uncomfortable symptoms. It is usually discovered during physical examinations or blood tests when the uric acid level is found to be elevated, around 420, which is considered hyperuricemia. What causes it? It is mainly caused by poor lifestyle habits, such as long periods of drinking alcohol, excessive intake of animal organs, seafood, barbecue, and too much protein intake. Additionally, some people may develop high uric acid levels due to prolonged use of diuretics. When hyperuricemia occurs, it is essential to change lifestyle habits, but at this time, no special medication treatment is needed.

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

59sec

Is hyperuricemia dangerous?

Hyperuricemia is generally diagnosed when the blood uric acid level in males exceeds 420 micromoles per liter and in females exceeds 360 micromoles per liter. Some patients with hyperuricemia are asymptomatic, but others may develop gouty arthritis, characterized by local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even limited mobility. Some patients may develop gouty nephropathy, leading to abnormal kidney function. There are also instances of patients developing tophi, which can cause joint deformity and even limited mobility. Therefore, if hyperuricemia is not controlled promptly, it poses certain risks and may lead to complications such as tophi, gouty arthritis, and gouty nephropathy.

Written by Luo Juan

Endocrinology

1min 7sec

Is hyperuricemia contagious?

Hyperuricemia is not contagious. Hyperuricemia refers to a condition where the concentration of uric acid in the blood exceeds the normal upper limit. Typically, for males and post-menopausal females, a blood uric acid concentration greater than 420 µmol/L, or pre-menopausal females with more than 348 µmol/L, is considered hyperuricemia. Most severe cases of hyperuricemia are due to deficiencies in uric acid metabolism enzymes and fall under the category of liver metabolism disorders. Moreover, mild to moderate hyperuricemia is often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease, among others. It is a type of nucleic acid metabolic disease, and therefore, it is not contagious.

Written by Li Hui Zhi

Endocrinology

40sec