New research published in the medical journal, Rheumatology, has shown that lowering uric acid levels using the medication allopurinol can result in a significant decrease in the risk of death.
Recent research has shown that high levels of uric acid have been strongly associated with diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, stroke and obesity. However, little is known about the effects of lowering uric acid levels on the risk of these diseases and even less is known about whether or not lowering uric acid levels can actually extend life. This is one of the first research studies that has shown a strong correlation between lowering uric acid levels and living a longer life.
This study, that followed almost 10,000 people, showed an average reduction in uric acid levels of 1.86mg/dL (111µmol/L). This resulted in an overall reduction in the risk of death by about 22%.
Unfortunately, we do not yet understand the mechanisms by which uric acid causes disease. The current theory is that uric acid, when it reaches high levels, is constantly forming crystals in all parts of the body, not just the joints as in gout. These crystals are spotted by the immune system and spark an immune response that increases inflammation. This inflammation has been identified as a leading cause of some of the most deadly diseases mentioned above.
Hopefully, researchers will soon find proof as to exactly how uric acid causes disease. This information will is the next step in finding the best means of dealing with high uric acid levels.
In the meantime, this new research shows us that fighting gout by lowering uric acid levels is not only the best way of stopping gout attacks, but may also be helping us live a longer and healthier life.
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