Hyperuricemia
What is Hyperuricemia?
Hyperuricemia happens when your blood contains too much uric acid. Uric acid is a waste product your body makes when it breaks down purines, which are natural substances found in many foods and in your cells. Your kidneys normally filter out uric acid, and you get rid of it when you urinate.
When your body makes too much uric acid or your kidneys cannot remove enough, levels build up in your blood. High uric acid can form sharp crystals that settle in your joints, causing gout attacks with severe pain and swelling. These crystals can also collect in your kidneys and create kidney stones.
Many people with hyperuricemia feel fine and have no symptoms at all. But over time, high uric acid levels can increase your risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic problems like diabetes. Testing your uric acid regularly helps you catch problems early, before they cause serious damage.
Symptoms
- Sudden, intense joint pain, especially in your big toe
- Swollen, red, or warm joints
- Joint stiffness and difficulty moving
- Kidney stones with back or side pain
- Blood in your urine
- Painful urination
- Lumps under your skin near joints
- Fatigue or feeling generally unwell
Many people with hyperuricemia have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages. You can have high uric acid for years without knowing it. That's why regular blood testing matters, even when you feel healthy.
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Causes and risk factors
Your body makes uric acid when it breaks down purines from food and cell turnover. Hyperuricemia develops when your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys cannot filter enough of it out. Eating lots of purine-rich foods like red meat, organ meats, certain seafood, and alcohol can raise your levels. Sugary drinks with high fructose corn syrup also increase uric acid production.
Other risk factors include being overweight, having kidney disease, taking certain medications like diuretics, having high blood pressure, and having a family history of gout or hyperuricemia. Some people naturally produce more uric acid because of their genes. Crash diets and dehydration can also trigger temporary spikes in uric acid levels.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose hyperuricemia with a simple blood test that measures uric acid levels in your blood. Uric acid above 7 milligrams per deciliter for men and above 6 milligrams per deciliter for women typically indicates hyperuricemia. Your doctor may order multiple tests over time to see if your levels stay high or change with diet and lifestyle modifications.
Rite Aid offers uric acid testing as part of our flagship blood panel. You can get tested at any Quest Diagnostics location near you, twice per year with your membership. If you have joint pain or kidney stones, your doctor may also check your joint fluid or order imaging tests to look for uric acid crystals.
Treatment options
- Drink plenty of water every day to help your kidneys flush out uric acid
- Limit red meat, organ meats, shellfish, and other purine-rich foods
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods with high fructose corn syrup
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol, especially beer and liquor
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular movement
- Eat more plant-based foods, low-fat dairy, and complex carbohydrates
- Medications like allopurinol or febuxostat to lower uric acid production
- Medications like probenecid to help your kidneys remove more uric acid
- Anti-inflammatory drugs or colchicine for gout attacks
- Work with your doctor to adjust medications that may raise uric acid
Concerned about Hyperuricemia? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Uric acid levels above 7 milligrams per deciliter for men or above 6 milligrams per deciliter for women are generally considered high. However, some people develop gout or kidney problems at lower levels, while others stay healthy with slightly higher levels. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other health factors when interpreting your results.
Yes, many people have hyperuricemia without ever developing gout. About two-thirds of people with high uric acid levels never experience gout attacks. However, high uric acid still increases your risk for kidney disease, kidney stones, and heart problems. Regular monitoring helps you address the issue before complications develop.
Limit red meat, organ meats like liver, shellfish, anchovies, sardines, and game meats. Avoid sugary drinks with high fructose corn syrup and reduce alcohol intake, especially beer. Instead, focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and plant-based proteins. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also helps your kidneys remove excess uric acid.
If you have hyperuricemia, test your levels every 3 to 6 months until they normalize. Once your levels are stable, annual testing helps you monitor for changes. If you're taking medication to lower uric acid, your doctor may want to test more frequently at first to ensure the treatment is working.
Research shows that coffee may actually help lower uric acid levels slightly. Regular coffee consumption appears to reduce the risk of gout in some studies. However, the effect is modest, and coffee should not replace proven treatments like diet changes and medication when needed.
Yes, losing excess weight gradually can help lower uric acid levels and reduce gout attacks. Being overweight increases uric acid production and makes it harder for your kidneys to remove it. Aim for slow, steady weight loss through healthy eating and regular physical activity. Avoid crash diets, which can temporarily raise uric acid levels.
Genetics play a role in how your body produces and eliminates uric acid. If your parents or siblings have gout or hyperuricemia, you have a higher risk of developing it too. However, lifestyle factors like diet, weight, and alcohol use also matter significantly. Even with a genetic predisposition, healthy habits can help you maintain normal uric acid levels.
Diuretics, commonly called water pills, often raise uric acid levels. Low-dose aspirin, certain blood pressure medications, and drugs that suppress your immune system can also increase levels. If you're taking these medications and have hyperuricemia, talk to your doctor about alternatives or additional treatments to manage your uric acid.
Yes, high uric acid over time can damage your kidneys in several ways. It can form crystals that create kidney stones, which cause pain and can harm kidney tissue. Chronic hyperuricemia can also lead to a condition called urate nephropathy, where uric acid crystals deposit directly in your kidney tissue. Lowering your uric acid helps protect your kidneys from long-term damage.
Treatment decisions depend on your uric acid level, risk factors, and overall health. If your levels are very high or you have kidney disease, heart disease, or kidney stones, your doctor may recommend medication even without gout symptoms. For mild hyperuricemia without complications, lifestyle changes alone may be enough. Discuss your individual situation with your healthcare provider.