How is hyperuricemia caused?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on December 19, 2024
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Hyperuricemia is mostly asymptomatic, meaning there are no uncomfortable symptoms. It is usually discovered during physical examinations or blood tests when the uric acid level is found to be elevated, around 420, which is considered hyperuricemia. What causes it? It is mainly caused by poor lifestyle habits, such as long periods of drinking alcohol, excessive intake of animal organs, seafood, barbecue, and too much protein intake. Additionally, some people may develop high uric acid levels due to prolonged use of diuretics. When hyperuricemia occurs, it is essential to change lifestyle habits, but at this time, no special medication treatment is needed.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Hyperuricemia and Its Complications

Hyperuricemia mainly refers to the elevation of uric acid levels in the blood, with levels exceeding 420 umol/l in males and 360 umol/l in females being diagnostic criteria. Some patients with hyperuricemia may not show symptoms, but if not controlled, complications can arise such as gouty arthritis, which manifests as local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even limited mobility. If it affects the kidneys, it leads to gouty kidney, which is characterized by abnormal kidney function and elevated creatinine levels. Therefore, if diagnosed with hyperuricemia, it is advisable to control diet, drink plenty of water, and seek timely medical treatment.

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Written by Luo Juan
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What vegetables should be eaten for hyperuricemia?

For hyperuricemia, almost all vegetables, fruits, milk, and eggs can be safely consumed, as these foods are low in purines and therefore can be eaten without concern. However, spinach among the vegetables contains a certain amount of purines. It can be consumed by individuals with hyperuricemia, but it is important to limit the quantity and not consume too much. On the other hand, consumption of some high-purine animal organs such as heart, liver, kidney, brain, crabs, oysters, and other high-purine foods should be restricted. Additionally, meat, fish, and shrimp, which also contain certain amounts of purines, can be consumed but intake should be moderated.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Hyperuricemia Complications

Common complications, the first is the effect on joints, manifested as local joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain, and even mobility impairment, usually referring to gouty arthritis. The second complication is the effect on the kidneys, resulting in hyperuricemic nephropathy, where the patient will experience abnormal kidney function. The third complication is the formation of gouty tophi, where many patients have deposits in the joints, leading to the occurrence of tophi and causing joint mobility impairment. Therefore, hyperuricemia needs to be treated promptly to prevent these complications.

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Written by Yang Li
Endocrinology
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Can you eat vinegar if you have hyperuricemia?

It's not that you can't eat vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic substance. However, patients with hyperuricemia need to alkalize their urine to reduce uric acid and slightly alkalize the body's pH value, which means keeping it on the alkaline side within the normal range. In such cases, it is recommended to eat more alkaline foods. Alkaline foods facilitate the excretion of uric acid through urine and help lower blood uric acid levels. Of course, this does not mean that you cannot eat vinegar at all; you can consume it in moderation, but not excessively.

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Written by Chen Xie
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How is hyperuricemia treated?

The treatment of hyperuricemia mainly includes: First, improving lifestyle, including healthy eating with a low-purine diet, quitting smoking, drinking more water, exercising regularly, and controlling weight. Second, alkalinizing the urine using sodium bicarbonate to maintain urine pH between 6.2 and 6.9, which facilitates the excretion of uric acid. Third, avoiding medications that increase blood uric acid levels, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, and insulin, among others. Fourth, using medications that lower uric acid, including drugs that increase uric acid excretion, mainly benzbromarone and probenecid, and drugs that inhibit uric acid synthesis, such as allopurinol and febuxostat. The choice of medication has specific indications, contraindications, and side effects, and it is advised to use these medications under the guidance of a specialist and not to self-medicate.