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Published in:

01-04-2010

Gout, Hyperuricemia, and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Cause and Effect?

Authors: Ankoor Shah, Robert T. Keenan

Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports | Issue 2/2010

Abstract

Gout and hyperuricemia have long been suspected to be risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, studies have frequently failed to distinguish whether these entities have an independent effect on cardiovascular risk or serve as markers for other risk factors. In vitro and animal studies suggest that uric acid is a biologically active compound that can increase inflammatory mediators known to lead to vascular damage. In contrast, uric acid also has potentially protective effects as a strong antioxidant, approaching the potency of vitamin C. Large clinical trials demonstrate a consistent relationship between elevated serum uric acid and a variety of cardiovascular diseases, although the strength of association varies greatly. We review the evidence for and against an independent role for hyperuricemia and/or gout in cardiovascular pathology.

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Title: Gout, Hyperuricemia, and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Cause and Effect?
Authors: Ankoor Shah
Robert T. Keenan
Publication date: 01-04-2010
Publisher: Current Science Inc.
Published in: Current Rheumatology Reports / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1523-3774
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6307
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-010-0084-3

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