Coexisting Health Conditions and Gout
In the context of gout, an accumulation of uric acid leads to the formation of painful crystals around joints, often impacting the big toe. It's worth noting that the health implications associated with gout extend beyond joint discomfort. Excessive uric acid levels can potentially harm vital organs like the kidneys, blood vessels, and other bodily systems. Furthermore, gout increases the likelihood of various medical conditions, including kidney and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, and sleep apnea.
Recognizing your susceptibility to these interconnected health issues offers an opportunity to enact positive changes in your lifestyle. You can consider adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, and managing your weight to reduce risks and alleviate symptoms. Simultaneously, your healthcare provider can monitor your health for potential complications and offer interventions to minimize any potential damage.
According to Dr. Eswar Krishnan, a rheumatologist based in Newbury Park, California, the initial onset of gout should serve as a wake-up call. It should motivate a comprehensive assessment of your overall health and health-related risks, prompting a reevaluation of your lifestyle choices. If you are under fifty years of age, it is advisable to undergo a complete renal assessment as well.
If you are currently dealing with gout, we recommend having a discussion with your healthcare provider about:
Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Stones
When uric acid crystals accumulate in the kidneys, it can lead to a range of issues, from diminished kidney function to potential kidney failure. The damage tends to progress over time, but the appropriate treatment can often slow down its advancement. A study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy in 2018 highlighted that individuals with gout face a 78% increased risk of developing moderate kidney disease, a condition that typically exhibits no noticeable symptoms. Remarkably, this study also pointed out that approximately one in four people with gout experiences this level of kidney impairment.
Additionally, kidney stones can develop when uric acid crystals settle within the kidneys and obstruct the urinary tract. This condition affects an estimated one in five individuals with gout. Interestingly, research from the 2017 American Journal of Kidney Disease indicates that even individuals without gout who have higher-than-normal uric acid levels face an elevated risk of developing kidney stones. Notably, this risk escalates in correlation with the degree of uric acid elevation, as the study determined.
Connections Between Gout and Cardiovascular Health
Research has established a notable association between gout and an elevated susceptibility to various forms of cardiovascular ailments, including heart attacks, heart failure, and irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. Notably, a study conducted in 2018 by Arthritis Care & Research revealed that individuals aged 65 and above face a risk of heart attack at least twice as high as those who do not have gout. Moreover, gout also heightens the likelihood of experiencing a stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
The precise mechanisms through which gout escalates the risk of cardiovascular diseases remain an active area of investigation. It is hypothesized that the persistent systemic inflammation caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals may inflict damage to blood vessels, as suggested in a 2017 update on gout-related conditions published in BMC Medicine. However, it is highly probable that multiple interconnected factors play a role in this relationship.
Diabetes
According to a study published in the 2016 Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, it was found that women who have gout face a 71% higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, while in men, the risk of diabetes increases by 22% when gout is present. This elevated risk may be attributed to abnormal inflammation, which is a shared factor in both conditions, as well as other common factors such as being overweight, high cholesterol levels, or high blood pressure
Depression
In a study published in Psychiatry Research in 2018, it was discovered that adults aged 65 and older who have gout face a 42% higher likelihood of experiencing depression. Although the precise connection remains somewhat elusive, researchers are leaning towards the notion that chronic, systemic inflammation, which has more recently been linked to depressive symptoms, may contribute to this association.
Sleep Apnea and Gout Connection
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine revealed that individuals living with gout face a doubled risk of experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing lasting from seconds to minutes during sleep.
Moreover, research from 2019, featured in Arthritis & Rheumatology, indicated that individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea have an elevated risk of developing gout. This risk is particularly pronounced within the first two years following a sleep disorder diagnosis. Interestingly, both gout and sleep apnea are associated with an increased likelihood of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. Researchers believe that these two conditions may share common underlying mechanisms.
Learn more about Arthritis:
Arthritis Advice
Get better control of your arthritis with help from our experts. Arthritis can be confusing, but don't worry, we have the tips you need to make it easier to manage.
Have a question?
We're Here to Help
By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from the business.