Gout and your heart
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Gout is known for its association with alcohol, but new research has discovered a connection with cardiovascular health. Online personal trainer Andrew Cate looks at what it means for your heart.
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How is gout connected with heart health?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that usually occurs in the knee or foot, and it is more common in men. It’s thought that this persistent inflammation (associated with gout) can initiate atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up on the inside of the artery walls, causing them to harden and narrow, and limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. This can lead to more serious consequences for your heart down the track.
In addition, the primary cause of gout is thought to be hyperuricemia, a build up of uric acid in blood. Hyperuricemia is also known as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. There is also thought to be a connection with hyperuricemia and hypertension.
The research
Research published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism suggested that people with gout are at increased risk of having heart problems.
The study analysed data collected from over 12,500 men who were followed up for an average of 6.5 years. In comparison to men without gout, men with gout were found to have an increased heart risk.
The study also found that gout was an independent risk factor for MI, and this association was not accounted for by traditional risk factors obesity, diuretic use, aspirin use, kidney function, alcohol use, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and uric acid levels.
Lifestyle
If you suffer from gout, there is no need to panic. According to the researchers, the magnitude of heart health risk for men with gout was not high. You should always seek medical advice and appropriate treatment from your healthcare professional.
Additionally, you can make some additional lifestyle changes to improve your heart health.
Giving up smoking and being aware of your family health history are good starting points. There are also a number of lifestyle changes you can adopt that may offer the double bonus of benefiting both your heart and improving the symptoms of gout. These strategies include:
- Cutting back on alcohol
- Cutting back on processed sugars in food and drinks
- Managing your weight
- Participation in regular, low intensity physical activity such as walking
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