5 health conditions high uric acid can cause

Uric acid is a natural waste product that the body produces after breaking down purines, which is found in certain foods and drinks. Normally, purines dissolves in the blood and is filtered by the kidneys and removed along with urine. But when uric acid levels get too high, it can lead to some serious health issues. This is known as hyperuricemia, and it has become a common health issues that many people face today due to sedentary lifestyles and improper diet. Having hyperuricemia, or high uric acid levels in the body, can lead inflammation, pain, and in the long run it can also damage in different parts of the body. It doesn’t just affect your joints; it can harm your kidneys, heart, and metabolism too. Here we list five common health conditions that are linked to high uric acid levels:

One of the most well-known and painful effects of high uric acid is Gout. This generally occurs when uric acid crystals get accumulated in the joints, and cause sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness. This swelling is commonly seen in in the big toe, but it can also appear in the hands. If untreated, Gout attacks can last for a few days or even weeks. While Gout is commonly seen in men, it can also affect women who have high uric acid levels. Some common reasons for Gout is having high purine diet, alcohol, and obesity. If left untreated, repeated gout attacks can damage joints permanently in the long run. Managing uric acid through medication, hydration, and a balanced diet can help prevent gout flare-ups and joint damage. If you suffer from Gout, you should avoid having red meat, shellfish, and sugary drinks and it could lead to flare-ups.

If left untreated for a long time, high uric acid levels can also lead to the formation of uric acid kidney stones. These are hard crystals that develop in the kidneys when excess uric acid isn’t properly removed from the body. Symptoms of kidney stones include: intense back or side pain, spotting blood in the urine, and frequent urination. If not detected or treated early on, kidney stones can block urine flow, cause infections, and even lead to long-term kidney problems. To avoid this, one should drinking plenty of water, reducing purine intake by avoiding meat, alcohol and sugary drinks, and using prescribed medications to keep their uric acid levels in check. Kidney stones caused by uric acid are more likely in hot climates or among people who sweat excessively and don’t hydrate enough.

Excess uric acid doesn’t just lead to kidney stones— over time, it can also damage tissues in the kidney. Studies show that high uric acid levels are linked with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this health condition, one's kidney function declines slowly and progressively. For the unversed, the kidneys help filter out waste from the blood and it is removed along with urine from the body. However, when the kidneys don't function properly it could lead to build of toxins— including uric acid— in the blood. CKD may not show any early symptoms, it can cause high blood pressure (BP), fatigue, and even kidney failure in extreme cases. Managing uric acid early through lifestyle changes, exercise, hydration, and regular health check-ups is important to protect long-term kidney health.

High uric acid levels are often linked to hypertension, especially in younger adults. How? Well, uric acid can stiffen blood vessels, increase salt sensitivity, and trigger inflammation in the body, all of which in turn raises the blood pressure. Over time, this increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. A research titled 'Uric acid in hypertension and cardiovascular disease' published in Journal of Hypertension in May 2025 suggests that elevated uric acid exacerbates hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. And, reducing levels showed mixed results, benefiting selected groups. Thus, keeping your blood pressure in check through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reduced salt intake— along with managing your uric acid levels— can make a major difference in your overall heart health and longevity.