Gout can go far beyond the joints – even all the way to the heart.
Take some time during Heart Month to learn about the connection and how to take control of gout and cardiovascular disease.
The Connection
Gout increases the risk of heart conditions including:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Stroke
But how? High levels of uric acid is a known risk factor that connects gout and cardiovascular disease.
High levels of uric acid can cause urate crystal buildup in the blood to deposit in the joints. This sets off an inflammatory response, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular conditions.
Risk Factors
While anyone can get gout and cardiovascular diseases, there are certain factors that can increase your risk, including:
- Have a family history of gout and/or cardiovascular diseases
- Age
- Tobacco/alcohol usage
- Obesity
Managing Gout and Heart Health
The good news is that both conditions can be managed.
Along with a healthy diet and exercise, taking medication as prescribed to help maintain low uric acid levels is the best way to manage your gout and reduce the inflammation that can affect the heart.
To improve heart health, a good place to start is by maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle and monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
By proactively managing both conditions, you will be well on your way to a healthy Heart Month and set yourself up for success in the years to come.
