Understanding Gout: Key Risks and Underlying Causes

Gout results from high uric acid levels, influenced by genetics, diet, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and management. Key risks include enzyme deficiencies, preexisting health issues, medications, age, gender, diet, weight, and family history. Consulting healthcare professionals is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. Several factors can contribute to this, including genetics, lifestyle, health conditions, and diet.

Common triggers for gout attacks include:

Genetic enzyme deficiencies
Individuals with conditions like Kelley-Seegmiller syndrome or Lesch-Nyhan syndrome lack the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is vital for uric acid regulation, increasing the likelihood of gout.

Preexisting health issues
Conditions such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems, or heart disease, along with rapid weight reduction, can raise gout risk.

Additionally, recent injuries or surgeries can elevate the chances of developing gout.

Medication use
Long-term use of certain drugs like niacin, diuretics, aspirin, or immunosuppressants post-transplant can cause higher uric acid levels, leading to gout.

Age and gender factors
Men tend to develop gout more frequently and at younger ages (30s to 50s), while women are more susceptible after menopause due to increased uric acid levels.

Dietary habits
Consuming foods rich in purines—including red meats, seafood, and alcohol—can precipitate gout. Drinks sweetened with fructose also contribute to increased uric acid levels.

Body weight
Overweight individuals are at higher risk because excess tissues produce more uric acid, and the kidneys may struggle to eliminate it efficiently.

Family history
A genetic predisposition plays a significant role, with 20 to 80 percent of gout patients having relatives with the condition.