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What Does High Uric Acid Mean?

Hyperuricemia, or high uric acid levels, is characterized by a high concentration of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a byproduct created as your body breaks down purine, which is found in many of the foods that we eat. Normally, uric acid is carried in the blood stream to pass through the liver and kidneys and exit the body in your urine.

  1. Significance

    • Excessive amounts of uric acid can accumulate in your body, forming crystals. These crystals can lead to kidney stones and gout (a collection of crystals formed by uric acid in your joints).

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of high uric acid levels may include kidney problems, fever, chills, fatigue or inflammation of your joints (caused by gout).

    Facts

    • High uric acid levels may precede the development heart disease, kidney disease and hypertension (high blood pressure). According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors are unsure if the high levels of uric acid are the cause of these conditions or an early warning sign.

    Causes

    • High concentrations of uric acid may be caused by medications (such as blood pressure drugs, low-dose aspirin and diuretics); excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol; Hodgkin's disease; under-active thyroid; leukemia; genetics; vitamin B3; or obesity.

    Treatment

    • If you have high uric acid levels, your doctor may prescribe medication such as probenecid (a drug that helps to prevent uric acid crystals from accumulating in your tissues) or allopurinol (which helps to prevent gout).

    Dietary Changes

    • Your doctor may also instruct patients with high uric acid levels to avoid foods with high purine levels, such as asparagus, organ meats, and beer and alcoholic beverages.

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