When Mr. Wang saw that his uric acid level was "red" in the annual physical examination report, his mood also sank. It is not uncommon for middle-aged and elderly people like him to pay attention to their health. The three words high uric acid seemed to be a time bomb, which made him involuntarily associate with the severe pain of gout and long-term drug treatment. Do you empathize with this concern?
High uric acid, a medical term that sounds worrisome, is actually a common phenomenon in many middle-aged and elderly physical examinations. But is it really as scary as we think? Does high uric acid necessarily cause gout? Does everyone need medication to control it?
Demystifying high uric acid: more than just a precursor to gout
High uric acid, medically known as hyperuricemia, is a common metabolic abnormality. High uric acid is diagnosed when the amount of uric acid in our blood exceeds the normal range. Uric acid levels in normal adults are usually between 2.4 and 6.0 mg/dL (women) and 3.4 to 7.0 mg/dL (men). But this criterion can also vary with age, gender, and other factors.
Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism, and purines mainly come from certain foods in our daily diet, such as offal, seafood, beer, etc. In addition to dietary factors, uric acid levels are affected by a variety of factors, including:
Genetic factors: Some people have a weaker ability to metabolize and excrete uric acid in their bodies due to genetic reasons.
Obesity and poor lifestyle Xi: Obesity, lack of exercise, unbalanced diet, etc. may lead to elevated uric acid.
Other diseases, such as high blood pressure, abnormal glucose metabolism (commonly known as diabetes), kidney disease, etc., may affect the production and excretion of uric acid.
Certain medications: Medications such as diuretics, aspirin, etc., can cause uric acid to rise.
High uric acid does not always mean pathology. Hyperuricemia requires special attention only if it is accompanied by other symptoms or complications, such as gout, kidney stones, or renal impairment. It is important to note that long-term hyperuricemia may damage the joints and kidneys, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, understanding the causes of high uric acid and its effects on the body is an important part of health management.
In addition to medical intervention, lifestyle modifications are essential when it comes to preventing and managing high uric acid. Eating right, exercising moderately, maintaining a healthy weight, and having regular Xi are all keys to lowering uric acid and preventing related complications.
Elevated uric acid: is it just a change in numbers?
Uric acid, an indicator that we often see in physical examination reports, often attracts our attention when its value is outside the normal range. Elevated uric acid isn't just a matter of numbers, it actually touches multiple aspects of our overall health.
First of all, the most direct effect of elevated uric acid is an increased risk of gout. Gout is an inflammatory disease caused by the deposition of urate in the joints and soft tissues. It's not just the joints that are affected, urate deposition can also lead to kidney stones and impaired kidney function. Therefore, control of uric acid is essential for the prevention of gout and related complications.
In addition to gout, elevated uric acid may also be associated with cardiovascular disease. Some studies have shown that high uric acid levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. This may be due to the oxidative stress and inflammatory response produced by uric acid in the body.
In addition, elevated uric acid may also affect glucose metabolism and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. High uric acid levels are associated with insulin resistance, which may further affect glycemic control.
It is important to note that an increase in uric acid levels does not always mean an immediate need for medication. Lifestyle modifications, such as proper dietary control, increased physical activity, etc., are also very important to control uric acid levels. Before considering pharmacotherapy, it is often recommended to start with Xi, especially in patients with mild or moderate uric acid elevations.
Elevated uric acid may not only predict the risk of gout, but may also affect cardiovascular health and glucose metabolism. Therefore, a comprehensive health assessment and timely intervention are essential for people with elevated uric acid. Through comprehensive health management, we can effectively reduce the health risks caused by elevated uric acid.
What should I do if the "red light" of uric acid is on?
When the results of a physical exam show high uric acid levels, many people are faced with an important decision: whether they need medication or not? The answer to this question is not set in stone, but depends on the individual's specific situation.
First, knowing if uric acid levels really need medication is key. An elevated uric acid level does not necessarily mean that medication needs to be started immediately. Doctors consider a variety of factors, such as the specific value of uric acid, a person's history of gout attacks, kidney function status, and other health concerns.
2. When to consider medication
In general, if your uric acid level is extremely high or you have a history of gout attacks, your doctor may recommend medication. For example, when uric acid levels exceed a certain threshold (usually above 7.0 mg/dL per deciliter), especially if tophi is present or renal function is impaired, drug therapy is particularly important.
3. Common uric acid-lowering drugs
If drug therapy is needed, commonly used urate-lowering drugs include allopurinol and febuxostat. These medications help control blood uric acid levels by decreasing uric acid production or increasing its excretion. However, drug treatment is not without risks and there may be side effects, such as abnormal liver function or allergic reactions.
4. The importance of lifestyle
Even with the use of medications, lifestyle changes remain key to lowering uric acid levels. Dietary modifications, such as reducing the intake of high-purine foods (e.g., red meat, seafood), increasing water intake, and maintaining a healthy weight, are all important preventive measures. Regular exercise can also help increase the body's metabolic levels, which can help control uric acid levels.
When deciding whether to use medication, you should work closely with your doctor to develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific situation. At the same time, the importance of comprehensive management of uric acid levels through lifestyle modification should not be overlooked.