Elevated serum uric acid is associated with peripheral endothelial dysfunction in women

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Biology
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) and peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED) are independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• The direct association between SUA and PED remains under-established.
• This study investigated the link between high-normal SUA levels and PED.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if high normal serum uric acid levels are associated with peripheral endothelial dysfunction.
• To explore SUA as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 140 patients undergoing cardiovascular evaluation.
• Peripheral endothelial dysfunction assessed using Reactive Hyperemia Peripheral Arterial Tonometry.
• High serum uric acid defined as ≥5 mg/dL.

Main Results:

• 55% of patients had elevated SUA, and 41.4% had PED.
• Patients with PED had significantly higher SUA levels (5.5 ± 1.4 vs 4.8 ± 1.2 mg/dL; p=0.004).
• Elevated SUA was independently associated with PED (OR 2.45; p=0.031), especially in women.

Conclusions:

• High normal SUA levels are associated with PED in women at low CVD risk.
• SUA may serve as a valuable biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification in women.
• Further research can explore SUA's role in managing female patients with chest pain or CVD risk.