Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines in the body. It’s produced by the liver and excreted through the kidneys. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted from the body in urine.

However, when there’s too much uric acid in the body, it can lead to a condition known as hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can, in turn, lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the link between uric acid and heart health.

Uric Acid and Heart Disease

Research has shown that there may be a link between hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels) and an increased risk of heart disease.

Elevated uric acid levels have been associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes), and cardiovascular disease.

Hyperuricemia and Hypertension

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease. Studies have found that there may be a link between hyperuricemia and an increased risk of hypertension.

One theory is that elevated uric acid levels may lead to endothelial dysfunction, a condition where the inner lining of blood vessels doesn’t function properly. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure. Additionally, uric acid may contribute to the development of insulin resistance, a condition where the body doesn’t respond properly to the hormone insulin.

Insulin resistance is another risk factor for hypertension.

Hyperuricemia and Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat (particularly around the waist), and high cholesterol levels.

Hyperuricemia has been found to be associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. One study found that people with hyperuricemia were more likely to have metabolic syndrome than those with normal uric acid levels.

Additionally, a review of several studies found that lowering uric acid levels may have a beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome.

Hyperuricemia and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Some examples of CVD include coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and stroke.

Studies have found that hyperuricemia may be associated with an increased risk of CVD. One study found that people with hyperuricemia were more likely to develop CAD than those with normal uric acid levels. Another study found that hyperuricemia was an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure.

Treatment of Hyperuricemia

If you have elevated uric acid levels, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help bring down your levels. Some of these changes may include:.

Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese.
Limiting your intake of purine-rich foods, such as organ meats, sardines, and anchovies.
Drinking plenty of fluids to help flush uric acid out of your system.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help lower your uric acid levels. These may include:.

Allopurinol, which reduces the production of uric acid in the body.
Febuxostat, which also reduces uric acid production.
Probenecid, which increases uric acid excretion in the urine.

Conclusion

Hyperuricemia has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

If you have elevated uric acid levels, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.