New Delhi: Uric acid, long linked to painful gout attacks, is now under scrutiny for a far more serious role: increasing the risk of sudden heart attacks and metabolic syndrome. Recent research shows that high uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) do more than cause joint pain—they may silently inflame blood vessels and damage the heart.
According to cardiometabolic experts, traditionally dismissed as a minor byproduct of purine metabolism, uric acid is now seen as a potential driver of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation within the arteries.
This inflammation weakens the endothelium—the inner lining of blood vessels—making them vulnerable to blockages and cardiac events. Alarmingly, people with high uric acid levels can face heart attacks even when their cholesterol levels appear normal. The risk isn’t limited to older adults. Younger individuals, especially those with poor diets, sedentary habits, or undiagnosed insulin resistance, are also showing early signs of metabolic disruption linked to elevated uric acid.
Metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, belly fat, and insulin resistance—is increasingly connected to high uric acid. Experts now advise taking this lab value seriously, not just as a marker for gout but as a warning of deeper systemic dysfunction. Management begins with lifestyle changes. Reducing sugar intake, avoiding purine-rich foods (like red meat and organ meats), drinking more water, and staying physically active can all help maintain healthy uric acid levels.
Doctors also recommend regular screenings, especially for those with a family history of cardiovascular disease or metabolic issues. Medications may be prescribed in chronic cases, but prevention remains the most powerful tool. By viewing high uric acid not as a standalone issue but as a signal of overall health imbalance, individuals can take early, informed steps toward better heart and metabolic health.
