Uric Acid
Also called: Urate
Uric acid is the breakdown product of purines. Elevated levels predispose to gout, kidney stones, and (controversially) cardiovascular risk.
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What does Uric Acid measure?
Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines from dietary protein (red meat, organ meats, seafood, beer) and from cell turnover. Two thirds is excreted by the kidneys; one third through the gut. Humans lack the enzyme uricase (other mammals can break uric acid down further), so we are evolutionarily prone to elevated levels. When uric acid exceeds its solubility in body fluids (~6.8 mg/dL), monosodium urate crystals can deposit in joints (gout) and form kidney stones.
What does a high Uric Acid level mean?
- Gout — when crystals deposit in joints, classically the first metatarsophalangeal joint ("big toe"); but most people with high uric acid don't have gout.
- Kidney stones — uric acid stones form in acidic urine.
- Metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes — strongly associated.
- Diet — heavy red meat, organ meats, seafood, beer, fructose-sweetened drinks.
- Drug-induced — thiazide and loop diuretics, low-dose aspirin, cyclosporine.
- Reduced excretion — chronic kidney disease.
What does a low Uric Acid level mean?
- Generally benign.
- Fanconi syndrome — proximal tubular dysfunction.
- Some medications — allopurinol overshoot, SGLT2 inhibitors.
When to discuss with a doctor
Asymptomatic hyperuricaemia without a history of gout or kidney stones usually doesn't need treatment — lifestyle change is the first step. Recurrent gout flares, tophi or uric-acid kidney stones warrant a rheumatology / primary-care discussion of urate-lowering therapy (allopurinol, febuxostat). Acute gout flare is managed with NSAIDs, colchicine or corticosteroids — long-term lowering is a separate decision. Mediora.AI shows uric acid in context with other metabolic-syndrome markers.