What Causes Hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia is the presence of an excess uric acid in the body’s blood products. Normally, the production and excretion of uric acid can be kept balance in individuals, and thus uric acid level can be in normal range-- 169 to 416 umol/l in male and 89 to 357 umol/l in female. Any condition that increases the formation or prevents the excretion of uric acid may cause hyperuricemia. An excessive level of uric acid can increase risks of various diseases. Knowing the causes of hyperuricemia help people to prevent it and stop health risks associated with the disease.

Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism in human body. Approximately two thirds of total body urate is produced endogenously, while the remaining one third is accounted for by dietary purine. Approximately 70% of the urate produced daily is excreted by the kidneys, while the rest is eliminated by the intestines. The blood levels of uric acid are a function of the balance between the breakdown of purine and the rate of uric acid excretion. Theoretically, alterations in this balance may account for hyperuricemia, although clinically defective elimination accounts for most cases of hyperuricemia.

Several illnesses, such as hyperthyroidism or an excessive level of thyroid hormones can increase uric acid production and give rise to hyperuricemia. It may also be caused by inflammations of the kidneys, called Nephritis. Those with multiple sclerosis may be prone to hyperuricemia, and as well, people with bone morrow cancer may also be at risk.

People who are fed intravenously may be at risk for high uric acid content. Certain medications like allopurinol, which is used to treat gout, may also cause hyperuricemia. An excessive consumption of alcohol and alcoholism, and high level of fructose, can also result in the condition.

Individuals with hyperuricemia are at increased risk of several conditions, such as kidney or bladder stones, gout, arthritis of the joints, etc. People need to regulate their diet, drink plenty of water and restrict their intake of meat products to prevent hyperuricemia from causing health problems.