There are a number of factors related to hyperuricemia and gout. The primary risk factors are:
- Genetics – many with gout have a family history of the disease.
- Gender & Age – gout is more common in men than in women, and onset of gout usually occurs after age 40.
- Weight – being overweight increases the risk of developing hyperuricemia because there is more human tissue available to be broken down, this leads to excess uric acid production.
- Alcohol – excessive alcohol consumption can cause hyperuricemia. Alcohol interferes with the removal of uric acid from the body.
- Diet – eating too many purine-rich foods can cause or make gout worse for some people.
For the majority of gout sufferers, inefficient passing of uric acid through the kidneys is the main cause of elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia).
Other Causes
Health issues like high blood pressure or poorly functioning kidneys are a common cause of gout in older people. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) and conditions that cause a rapid turnover of cells like psoriasis and some cancers can also cause gout.
Diuretic medications that eliminate excess fluid from the body decrease the amount of uric acid passed in the urine and can cause gout. Other medications like aspirin (contains salicylate) and the vitamin niacin can cause gout.