[Gout and cardiovascular risk]

Gout represents a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders characterized by production and deposition of sodium urate crystals in various tissues. The consequence of this deposition in musculoskeletal system causes gouty arthritis often presented by acute recurrent attack and development of chronic tophi. The most important risk factor is hyperuricemia which means higher level of acid uric in blood. Gout or hyperuricemia alone represents significant independent risk factor of all-cause and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Many patients with hyperuricemia and gout have risk factors typical for metabolic syndrome or suffer from other diseases. Maintaining the acid uric serum levels below 360 µmol/l, dissolution of sodium urate deposits and prevention of their formation are crucial for successful treatment. In addition to the non-pharmacological approaches, medications as xanthine oxidase inhibitors or uricosuric agents are used for lowering serum uric acid levels in treatment of chronic hyperuricemia. The successful treatment may contribute to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with hyperuricemia and gout.Key words: gout - hyperuricemia - cardiovascular risk - uric acid - metabolic syndrome - treatment.