A study published in September 2013 in the British journal Rheumatology showed that gout doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke. This research tracked the health status of over 205,000 gout patients using data spanning five decades.
This study was conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford. The researchers used data from the English NHS (National Health System) and the Office for National Statistics. Two groups of gout patients were used to track their condition and determine the link to heart attack and stroke in England.
Gout is an inflammatory joint disease caused by the increased level of uric acid in the blood. Excess uric acid causes crystals to form in the joints which cause pain and severe swelling.
The results showed that patients with gout are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke as people without the condition. High levels of uric acid (characteristic of gout) are thought to be a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
These new results highlight the need to address comorbidities (presence of disorders associated with a primary disease, here gout) and include preventive measures in the treatment of gout to reduce heart attacks and strokes in patients suffering from gout. of this metabolic disease.
Not only the quality of life, but also the quantity of life
This important study teaches us that gout is a disease that is not only a condition causing severe pain, but it is also a disease that must be taken seriously and treated effectively to prevent strokes and heart attacks.
This research reminds us that gout must be considered in a much broader context than just inflammatory arthritis. The vast majority of care for gout takes place in primary care.
General practitioners need to know that gout is not only a highly curable form of arthritis, but these patients also need vigilance regarding their increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Quality comprehensive or holistic care can not only improve their quality of life, but also the quantity of years of life.
By analyzing a large data set covering a long period for the whole of England, the group of researchers found that patients with gout have twice the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. This result could help improve the means regarding cardiovascular health for gout sufferers.
Source
Seminog: Risk of heart attack and stroke doubles for patients with gout. Rheumatology,
