Blood pressure-lowering medications like calcium channel blockers and losartan may protect against gout in people with hypertension, according to a recent study.
Gout is a condition where uric acid levels in the blood rise, either due to increased production of uric acid by the body or decreased excretion in the urine. It causes joint inflammation, especially of the big toe, resulting in a painful, swollen and red toe. Other joints like the knee and ankle may also be affected. In addition, gout can result in uric acid stones in the urinary tract and kidney damage.
Gout and Diet - Dietary Intervention - Reference
In gout excess of uric acid appears in the blood and its particles are deposited in joints as tophi.
In gout excess of uric acid appears in the blood and its particles are deposited in joints as tophi.
A study was conducted to analyze the risk of gout with treatment using blood pressure-lowering medications in hypertensive patients. Data was collected over the period of 8 years and included a large number of people between the ages of 20 and 89 years.
The study found that the risk for developing gout was less with calcium channel blockers and losartan. The risk was further reduced with increased duration of treatment and use of higher doses of these medications. On the other hand, drugs belonging to classes like diuretics, β blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and non-losartan angiotensin II receptor blockers were associated with a higher risk for gout.
High Blood Pressure | Hypertension - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
High blood pressure or hypertension is a chronic condition, which usually lasts a lifetime once it is developed.
High blood pressure or hypertension is a chronic condition, which usually lasts a lifetime once it is developed.
A number of medications are available to treat hypertension. Taking the results of this study into account, it would probably be advisable to use drugs like calcium channel blockers or losartan in patients already at a risk for gout.
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Foods to Avoid in Gout
Gout occurs due to excess uric acid content. Gout is a painful form of arthritis and is a disorder of purine metabolism. Find out the foods to avoid if you have gout.
Gout occurs due to excess uric acid content. Gout is a painful form of arthritis and is a disorder of purine metabolism. Find out the foods to avoid if you have gout.
1. Antihypertensive drugs and risk of incident gout among patients with hypertension: population based case-control study; Hyon et al; BMJ 2012.
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About Gout
High levels of uric acid in blood and recurring attacks of joint inflammation are the main symptoms of gout. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, increasing fluid intake and dietary changes can help.
High levels of uric acid in blood and recurring attacks of joint inflammation are the main symptoms of gout. Lifestyle changes like weight loss, increasing fluid intake and dietary changes can help.
