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Gout. Hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease: how strong is the evidence for a causal link?

Angelo L Gaffo1, N Lawrence Edwards, Kenneth G Saag

  • 1Birmingham VA Medical Center, 700 19th St. S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA. agaffo@uab.edu

Arthritis Research & Therapy
|September 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

High serum urate (hyperuricemia) may causally link to cardiovascular disease. Recent data from basic science, clinical trials, and epidemiology support this association, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Long-standing hypothesis links elevated serum urate to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Recent evidence from basic science, clinical trials, and epidemiology strengthens the possibility of a causal relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent data on hyperuricemia and cardiovascular diseases.
  • To evaluate the potential causal link between high serum urate and CVD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recently published scientific literature.
  • Analysis of data from basic science, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies.

Main Results:

  • Emerging evidence supports a causal association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease.
  • Specific cardiovascular conditions linked to elevated serum urate levels are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • The association between high serum urate and cardiovascular disease is increasingly supported by scientific evidence.
  • Hyperuricemia is a potential modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

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