Gout and coronary artery disease: epidemiologic clues

Gout is the leading cause of inflammatory arthritis, typically affecting men and characterized by intermittent, abrupt onset of intense inflammation. The association between gout, atherosclerosis, and vascular disease has been noted in medical literature since the end of the 19th century, yet it has not been well studied. This review critically appraises the few epidemiologic studies that ask if gout is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. An exhaustive literature search using search engines and cross-referencing found four major studies and several smaller studies that have evaluated gout as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The available studies were too heterogeneous to permit formal meta-analysis. Although there are gaps in evidence pointing to a causative pathway, overall, evidence exists for a relationship between gouty arthritis and coronary artery disease independent of traditional risk factors.