Hyperuricemia and Cardiovascular Risk

As the prevalence of hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels in the blood) increases, the relationship between serum uric acid levels and cardiovascular risk has garnered increased interest. Several studies have highlighted that elevated uric acid levels are likely tied to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Specifically, the presence of hyperuricemia is well-established to contribute to the onset of gout (an inflammatory condition characterized by painful/swollen joints). Several studies have shown that the risk of developing gout is strongly associated with the degree of hyperuricemia. In this review, we will provide insight into the association between gout and cardiovascular disease risk. It is also important to gain insight into the pathophysiology of gout to understand the contributions to cardiovascular disease risk as well as improve diagnosis and target treatment more effectively. An interdisciplinary approach for gout management and areas for further investigation will be discussed in this review.