Uric acid is a normal waste product of the body. Increasing the level of uric acid in a person's blood can have a significant impact on health. This is a common condition, also known as hyperuricemia. It is not easy to detect its symptoms immediately, but it can have a significant impact on people's health in the long run. It is often seen that it is not diagnosed, hence we need to put more emphasis on identifying the risk factors and getting tested early. Hyperuricemia is an ever-growing challenge in India.
Identification of risk factors is necessary
According to Dr. Karthik Peethambaran, Associate Medical Director, Abbott in India, high levels of uric acid can have serious effects on the body, but most patients do not experience symptoms. For this reason, it becomes important for people to identify the risk factors and get themselves tested as soon as possible so that they can get a timely diagnosis. To protect ourselves from its harmful effects. If this disease is detected in time, the risk of complications related to it can also be reduced. We strive to simplify the process of diagnosis and care through solutions that help both doctors and patients. This can ensure the empowerment of people with the right information to keep their uric acid levels under control.
Permanent kidney disease from high levels of uric acid
Dr. Sanjeev Gulati, Nephrologist, at Fortis Hospital, Delhi, said, according to a study, more than 30 percent of patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension or both of these diseases have hyperuricemia. High levels of uric acid can also lead to chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. However, asymptomatic cases can become serious without diagnosis. Early detection and proper management of elevated uric acid is essential for good health management and prevention or management of related conditions. Normally, both kidneys remove 60 percent to 65 percent of the uric acid produced in the body, which is filtered out of the bloodstream during urination. The remaining uric acid is excreted through the intestines and bile. Problems can occur when too much uric acid builds up or is not excreted properly. This results in crystals accumulating in the body's joints or kidneys, causing arthritis (a painful form of arthritis), kidney stones, or other health complications.
Disrupted normal elimination of uric acid
Despite how common this problem is, studies show that hyperuricemia is an increasingly serious challenge in India. Its prevalence varies in different states of India. In some areas, this percentage is up to 47.2. High uric acid is especially common in certain populations, including men and the elderly. Increased levels of uric acid in the blood can cause kidney, gastrointestinal, and hormone-related diseases. Due to this, the normal elimination of uric acid from the body gets disrupted. Consuming excessively fatty meats, seafood, alcohol, dried beans, peas, and fructose-rich fruits like apples, watermelons, etc., which naturally contain high sugar levels, can also increase uric acid levels.
How to identify hyperuricemia?
In some people, high uric acid levels may cause severe pain, tenderness, redness, or swelling in the joints. When high levels of uric acid lead to kidney stones, symptoms such as lower back or abdominal pain, nausea, difficulty urinating, and pain on one or both sides may occur. About 60 percent of people suffering from hyperuricemia do not show any symptoms. The result is that many people remain undiagnosed. Nevertheless, asymptomatic hyperuricemia is a risk, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, etc. In this condition, the risk may increase further if you are male, elderly, obese, or have a high body mass index. Consume excessive red meat, seafood, alcohol, or fructose. People with conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism are also at increased risk. Some reputable medical organizations recommend testing for hyperuricemia in patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and kidney stones. There are simple tools available, such as a risk assessment scale, which can calculate a person's potential risk for elevated uric acid levels.
Prevention of related complications through timely diagnosis
Studies have shown that high levels of uric acid also increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence of hyperuricemia is higher in people with hypertension, acute ischemic stroke, or coronary artery disease. Research also indicates that increased levels of uric acid may promote insulin resistance. This can lead to type-2 diabetes. Hyperuricemia or its related complications can also be prevented by making some lifestyle changes. These changes include daily exercise, controlling body weight, reducing consumption of red meat, fish, and alcohol, consuming low-fat dairy products, consuming foods with adequate vitamin C eating more plant-based foods increasing the intake of legumes, avoiding high-fructose corn syrup (a type of sugar), and reducing intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. People should consult their doctor if they suspect they may be at increased risk of hyperuricemia or have any related symptoms. This will help them create an effective action plan to reduce their uric acid levels.
(PC: Freepik)
