High uric acid, also known as hyperuricemia, occurs when the concentration of uric acid in the acid is elevated. Uric acid is produced when purine, a substance in food, is broken down. Purine is carried in the blood, processed in the kidneys and eliminated in your urine. It's important to understand both what causes high uric acid as well as what problems high uric acid can cause.
Medications
There are some medications that you may be taking for other conditions that can cause a buildup of uric acid. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, namely aspirin or diuretics, are known to cause high uric acid because of their interactions with the kidneys. Prolonged use can affect the way that your kidneys process chemicals such as purine. Immune-suppressing drugs have also been identified as a cause.
Foods or Substances
Because purine is extracted from foods, the foods or substances you consume will have a direct effect on the amount of uric acid in your system. Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine are common causes of increased uric acid. These substances are highly concentrated making it more difficult for your kidneys to process them properly. Eating foods that are high in purine is another common cause. Organ meats, game meats, anchovies, herring, gravy, dried beans or peas are reported sources of elevated uric acid, states the Mayo Clinic.
Cancer-related Illnesses
It is also common for patients who suffer from various types of cancer or cancer-related illnesses to have high levels of uric acid. Hodgkin's lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin's disease, as well as non-Hodgkins lymphoma are common causes of high uric acid. Hodgkin's lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system but spreads to other parts of the body.
