Is There a Link Between Gout and Heart Disease?

February 15, 2021
5 min read

Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause numerous issues throughout the body. But can it also cause heart disease? New research is showing us the connection between gout and heart disease. Read on to discover the links between the two conditions.

What is Gout?

Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis. Though it’s a common disease, it is also extremely painful. People with gout usually experience symptoms in waves, known as flares. Flares tend to affect one joint at a time, usually in the foot. The gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid around the joint. It’s is most common males with pre-existing conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, anyone can develop gout.

How Gout Relates to Other Diseases

Gout has many comorbidities. Diabetes, sleep apnea, and kidney issues are all common in gout patients. This is due to gout’s inflammatory nature, as well as the excess uric acid in the body. It’s important to visit your doctor regularly to check for these conditions, as well as other related health problems.

Gout and Heart Disease

Another comorbidity is heart disease. While doctors are still researching the link between gout and heart disease, they believe the buildup of uric acid may weaken a person’s blood vessels. Not only are gout patients more likely to get heart disease, they are also more likely to die from a heart-related incident. Therefore, it is especially important that these patients care for their heart. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and taking the right medications can all be very helpful.

See a Cardiologist

If you have gout, then it’s important to visit a cardiologist. A cardiologist can monitor your heart health and help you manage your current (or future) diseases. Northwest Cardiology provides long-term care for heart patients in Houston and Magnolia. Call us today to learn more.

Take the next step towards a healthy heart

Request an appointment by clicking the button below or call our office staff at (281) 807-5253

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