A middle-aged male patient was recently found to have a blood uric acid level of up to 460 μmol/L but completely showed no symptoms of gout such as pain or swelling in the joints. According to experts, this condition is called asymptomatic hyperuricemia and is becoming increasingly common, especially in young people.
Symptomatic hyperuricemia is identified when the patient has at least two fever-free tests resulting in uric acid above 420 μmol/L but no typical symptoms of gout such as joint pain, tophi granules or limited movement appear.
Although not significantly uncomfortable, this condition is not entirely harmless. Research shows that high uric acid may be associated with high blood pressure, blood sugar disorders, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and kidney damage. Some cases, although not yet injured, have urate crystals deposited in the joint when checked by ultrasound or CT scan.
According to treatment instructions, patients need to be considered for medication when uric acid is 540 μmol/L or higher or from 480 μmol/L with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease or kidney dysfunction. The goal of control is to maintain uric acid below 420 μmol/L, especially people with gout need to be below 360 μmol/L.
Experts recommend that people with high uric acid should limit soft drinks, alcohol, animal organs and seafood; at the same time, maintain exercise, control weight and monitor uric acid levels periodically to reduce the risk of long-term complications.
