Understanding Gout: Key Causes and Risks
Explore the common causes and risk factors of gout, including genetic, lifestyle, dietary, and medical elements that contribute to elevated uric acid and gout attacks. Understand who is most vulnerable and how to mitigate risks.
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Gout results from elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream. Several factors contribute to this, such as genetics, health conditions, lifestyle, and diet.
Common triggers for gout attacks include:
Genetic enzyme deficiencies
Individuals with conditions like Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome or Lesch-Nyhan syndrome lack the enzyme xanthine oxidase, leading to increased uric acid production, which promotes gout formation.
Health issues
Conditions like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, kidney issues, or recent rapid weight loss can elevate gout risk.
Recent injuries, surgeries, or medical treatments also heighten vulnerability to gout development.
Medications
Long-term use of drugs such as niacin, diuretics, aspirin, or immunosuppressants can raise uric acid levels, increasing gout risk.
Age and gender
Gout is more prevalent among men, especially between ages 30 to 50, due to naturally higher uric acid levels. Women's risk increases post-menopause when uric acid rises.
Diet habits
Eating foods rich in purines like red meats, seafood, alcohol (particularly beer), and sugary beverages with fructose can trigger gout attacks.
Body weight
Being overweight raises the likelihood of hyperuricemia and gout, as excess tissue breakdown produces more uric acid that the kidneys struggle to eliminate.
Family history
A family background of gout significantly raises your chances; about 20-80% of gout sufferers have relatives with the condition, according to NIH data.
