Understanding Gout

Average read time: 2 minutes

1. If one of my parents has gout, will I have gout too¹?If a parent, sibling, or close relative has gout, you are more likely to get gout. However, environmental factors, such as a diet high in purines can also trigger gout
2. Is gout more common in men at any age²?Gout occurs more often in men because women tend to have lower acid levels. However, after menopause, women’s uric acid levels can approach those of men. Therefore, men tend to develop gout earlier (between ages 30 and 50 years old) while women generally develop symptoms of gout after menopause
3. Should people who are overweight be worried about gout²?People who are overweight produce more uric acid and their kidneys have a more difficult time eliminating uric acid
4. Does gout increase the risk of other diseases³?Studies have shown that gout is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and irregular heartbeat. This may be due to the deposition of uric acid crystals which may damage the blood vessels. Women with gout are 71% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus while men with gout are 22% more likely.
5. How does having gout lead to depression as gout is not a mental health issue³?Studies have shown that gout in adults older than 65 years old have an increased risk of depression, which may be associated with inflammation in gout

Kinma T and Watson S. Everything you need to know about gout [Internet]. Healthline; 2023 [cited 15 June 2023]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/gout#and-alcohol.
Gout [Internet]. Mayo Clinic. [cited 15 June 2023]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gout/symptoms-causes/syc-20372897
Comorbid conditions and gout [Internet]. Arthritis Foundation. [cited 19 June 2023]. Available from: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/five-conditions-linked-with-gout

MAL2288366 NOV 2023