Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy
07:52

A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy

Published on: November 7, 2017

Serum uric acid is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality in hypertensive patients

Tatsuo Kawai1, Mitsuru Ohishi, Yasushi Takeya

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine and Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan.

Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension
|June 29, 2012
PubMed

Insights

High serum uric acid (UA) levels in hypertensive patients predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality risk. This association is particularly significant in women, suggesting UA as an independent risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
  • Serum uric acid (UA) is a metabolic byproduct, and elevated levels are linked to various health issues.
  • The prognostic value of UA in hypertensive patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and the prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in patients with essential hypertension.
  • To determine if UA levels can predict the risk of stroke and CVD in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based cohort study of 669 patients with essential hypertension.
  • Data collected via questionnaire on hypertensive complications and causes of death.
  • Follow-up for a mean of 7.1 years, with endpoints including new onset stroke, CVD, and mortality.
  • Statistical analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard models.

Main Results:

  • Patients in the high UA group showed a significantly higher incidence of stroke, CVD, and total mortality.
  • Adjusted Cox models indicated serum UA levels were independent predictors of CVD, combined stroke and CVD, and mortality.
  • The association between high UA and adverse outcomes was more pronounced in women.

Conclusions:

  • Serum uric acid levels may serve as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in patients with essential hypertension.
  • These findings highlight the importance of monitoring UA levels, especially in hypertensive women, for improved CVD risk stratification.

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers01:19

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers

Cardiac biomarkers are critical in diagnosing, prognosing, and managing cardiovascular diseases. Routine measurement of specific biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine (Hcy) is common practice in clinical settings to evaluate heart function and predict cardiovascular events.
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics01:16

Antihypertensive Drugs: Action of Diuretics

Diuretics are antihypertensive drugs used to treat hypertension resulting from sodium and water retention. Sodium, vital for fluid balance and nerve or muscle function, is regulated by the kidneys through millions of nephrons. Blood enters nephrons via afferent arterioles, which branch into capillaries called glomeruli. These filter blood plasma, allowing water and solutes, like sodium ions, to pass through capillary walls into Bowman's capsule. The filtrate then flows through various tubules...