Beware! The "fourth high" after the "three highs" is quietly coming. Have you been infected?

In recent years, the prevalence of hyperuricemia has shown a clear upward trend and the patient population has tended to be younger.

The "2021 China Hyperuricemia and Gout Trends White Paper" shows that the current overall prevalence of hyperuricemia in my country is 13.3%, with approximately 177 million patients, of which young patients aged 18 to 35 account for nearly 60%.

High uric acid has become the "fourth high" after high blood pressure, high blood lipids and high blood sugar. Next, let us learn about hyperuricemia with the Xiangdong Hospital affiliated to Hunan Normal University .

1. What is hyperuricemia?

Hyperuricemia refers to a state in which uric acid accumulates in the blood due to purine metabolism disorder, excessive uric acid secretion or renal excretion dysfunction. The latest expert consensus defines hyperuricemia as a blood uric acid level greater than 420 micromol/L (7 mg/dL).

2. The harm of hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia generally has no clinical symptoms in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, it may cause complications such as gouty arthritis, gouty renal failure, tophi, and increase the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Long-term high uric acid is an important predictor and independent risk factor for the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

3. Who is susceptible to hyperuricemia?

If the blood uric acid concentration can be monitored early, hyperuricemia can be prevented and treated. The following groups of people should monitor their blood uric acid concentration regularly:

1. People over 60 years old.

2. Men who are obese or drink alcohol.

3. Women after menopause.

4. People suffering from hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and other diseases.

5. Patients with arthritis and kidney stones of unknown cause.

6. People with a family history of gout.

Anyone who falls into any of the above situations should take the initiative to go to the hospital to check uric acid. Even if the first blood uric acid test is normal, the possibility of hyperuricemia and gout cannot be easily ruled out. It is recommended to have a health check-up at least once a year.

4. How to prevent hyperuricemia?

(1) Adjust your eating habits

1. Limit the intake of alcohol and high-purine animal foods (such as liver, kidney and other animal organs, as well as thick broth, seafood, red meat, etc.).

2. Limit the intake of high-fructose beverages, desserts, fruits, etc.

3. Encourage the intake of dairy products and fresh vegetables, and drink more water.

(2) Exercise regularly and control your weight

1. It is recommended to start with low-intensity exercise and gradually transition to moderate-intensity exercise, and avoid strenuous exercise. It is recommended to take aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, Tai Chi, etc.

2. For patients with underlying diseases such as cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, the intensity of exercise should be reduced appropriately and the exercise time should be shortened.

(3) Regular monitoring and drug treatment when necessary

If blood uric acid levels still do not meet the standard after lifestyle intervention, it is recommended to undergo standardized uric acid-lowering drug treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

Source: Publicity Department of Xiangdong Hospital Affiliated to Hunan Normal University

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(Edited by YT)