Gout - Risk Factors

Family History

A fairly substantial proportion of patients with gout (10 -20%) has a family history of gout. According to a 2001 Taiwanese study, patients with possible inherited conditions were more likely to have an earlier onset (about 41 years) compared to those whose gout is due to other factors (48 years). They were also more likely to have family histories of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and kidney insufficiencies.

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Other Risk Factors

Obesity. Researchers report a clear link between body weight and uric acid levels. In one Japanese study, overweight people had between two and over three times the incidence of hyperuricemia as those of normal or low weights. Obesity may be an especially important risk factor for gout in men. Children who are obese may have a higher risk for gout in adulthood.

Hypertension and Diuretics. The use of diuretics, which are agents used to treat high blood pressure, is highly associated with gout. Hypertension (high blood pressure) itself is found in 25 -50% of patients with gout, but whether it causes hyperuricemia is uncertain.

Consumption of purine-rich foods. A 2004 study showed that higher consumption of purine-rich foods such as meat and seafood was associated with a significantly increased risk of gout. However, purine-rich vegetables did not increase gout risk. Interestingly, the same study showed that consumption of dairy products had a protective effect against gout. A 2005 study confirmed these results and found that total protein intake was not associated with increased uric acid levels

Alcohol Use. Alcohol use is highly associated with gout in younger adults. Binge drinking particularly increases uric acid levels. It appears to play less of role among elderly patients, especially among women with gout. A major 2004 study showed that among alcoholic beverages, beer is the most strongly linked with gout, followed by spirits. However, moderate wine consumption does not appear to increase the risk of developing gout.

Thyroid Dysfunction. Some studies have reported a higher prevalence of gout in people with hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone). Hypothyroidism may even trigger gout. There is also some evidence to suggest that hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormone) can increase uric acid levels, although not to the degree that low thyroid hormones levels do.

Although the thyroid gland releases the hormones which govern growth and metabolism, the brain (the pituitary and the hypothalamus) manages the release and the balance of the amount of hormones circulated.