Epidemiological characteristics and risk factors of hyperuricemia/gout

The morbidity of hyperuricemia/gout increases gradually, which is characterized as hyperendemic, younger in age, higher male morbidity and higher morbidity in coastal areas. Obesity, hypertention, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia are closely related to the development and progression of hyperuricemia/gout. Low dose of aspirin, loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics all contribute to the increase of serum uric acid. Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, hypertention, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular events, cerebral stroke and chronic kidney disease. Hyperuricemia is also the major biochemical basis and direct cause of gout attack. So the importance of early detection and early treatment should be emphasized for hyperuricemia/gout patients. Key words: Hyperuricemia; Gout; Epidemiology; Risk factor