High Uric Acid Becomes the "Fourth High," Affecting a Large Number of Young Men!

Data shows that there are approximately 180 million patients with hyperuricemia in China, with people aged 20-40 accounting for over 50%; 5% to 30% of hyperuricemia cases will develop into gout, and the higher the uric acid level, the higher the risk of an attack. This hidden health hazard in the blood is quietly threatening the health of more and more people.

Why Does Uric Acid Exceed the Standard?

Uric acid is a metabolic "waste product" of the human body. The body has a "funnel" for holding uric acid. Once there is too much uric acid in the "funnel," or if the "funnel" malfunctions, uric acid is carried into the blood, resulting in hyperuricemia.

Hyperuricemia is defined as a fasting blood uric acid level, measured on two separate occasions not on the same day, while on a normal purine diet, exceeding 420 umol/L for men and 360 umol/L for women.

It is noteworthy that approximately 80% of patients with hyperuricemia show no early symptoms. Many people only become aware of the abnormality when their physical examination report flashes a "red flag."

Silent but Devastating Destructive Power

Long-term hyperuricemia can not only trigger the "midnight horror" of gout — sudden, severe joint pain, with recurrent gout attacks leading to joint deformity and loss of function — but it can also erode the entire body like termites:  

- Kidneys: Urate crystal deposition forms stones, blocking the body's "drainage system" (renal tubules, renal calyces and pelvis, ureters, etc.), which can lead to renal failure in severe cases;  

- Blood Vessels: Accelerates atherosclerosis, doubling the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke;  

- Metabolism: Interacts with obesity and diabetes, creating a vicious cycle.  

Guide to Preventing "Acid"

The key to preventing hyperuricemia lies in dietary and lifestyle adjustments: 

01 Limit High-Purine Foods

Strictly limit organ meats, rich meat broths, beer, and seafood (such as hairtail and sardines). Red meat intake should not exceed 100 grams per day.

02 Avoid Sweet Traps

Fructose in desserts and sugary drinks can significantly raise uric acid levels. It is recommended to eat more vegetables and whole grains, and replace sugary drinks with plain water or weak tea.

03 Exercise Scientifically and Control Weight

Engage in moderate-intensity exercise (such as brisk walking or swimming) for 30 minutes, 5 times a week. However, rest is required during the acute phase of gout.

04 Regular Monitoring and Timely Medical Consultation

Healthy individuals should have their blood uric acid level checked at least once a year. High-risk groups (obese individuals, those with the "three highs") are advised to be tested every 3-6 months. Once high blood uric acid is detected, seek medical attention promptly for professional advice on controlling "acid." 

Scientific Control of "Acid" Must Start Early!

For already diagnosed patients, doctors will adopt a stratified management approach based on the condition: 

a. Asymptomatic but blood uric acid > 540 μmol/L requires consideration of medication. 

b. For those with concurrent hypertension, diabetes, etc., the control target should be < 360 μmol/L. 

C. Those who have already developed gout should maintain a long-term level < 300 μmol/L.   

A special reminder is that the popular "acid-eliminating teas" and "acid-lowering health supplements" on the market mostly lack scientific basis. Standardized treatment must follow a doctor's advice. Through rational medication combined with lifestyle intervention, most patients can effectively control their condition.

Warm Reminder

Although hyperuricemia is not as aggressive as acute diseases, its chronic damage is irreversible. Pay attention to the uric acid value in every physical examination report, control your diet, and exercise more. This is the fundamental way to protect your health.

Remember: No symptoms ≠ No danger. Nipping problems in the bud is the only way to avoid "accumulating acid into disease."

Author of this article>>> Liu Bo (Attending Physician), Department of Nephrology

(Due to individual patient differences, treatment outcomes may vary. Please consult a professional physician for specific advice.)