Uric acid is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. Most uric acid in the body is derived from the breakdown of purines, a substance commonly found in certain foods. Extra uric acid is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. High levels of uric acid, also known as hyperuricemia, can be caused by a variety of factors that fall into one of two categories: increased production of uric acid or reduced excretion of uric acid. Left untreated, increased uric acid levels can cause gout, kidney stones or chronic kidney disease.
Age and Gender
Age is a primary factor in determining uric acid levels. Although the exact reason is unknown, doctors suspect hormonal changes that occur during aging affect uric acid levels. High levels of uric acid most frequently occur in middle-aged men. When males reach puberty, levels of uric acid in the blood naturally begin to rise. In 5 to 8 percent of men, levels of uric acid spontaneously rise high enough for them to be classified as hyperuricemic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. After women reach menopause, uric acid rises to levels similar to those found in men of the same age.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause high levels of uric acid. High blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and obesity have all been linked to high uric acid levels. Chronic high levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood, a condition known as hyperlipidemia, is also a risk factor for high uric acid levels. Arteriosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries that is often associated with heart disease, can also contribute to high uric acid levels. Conditions that affect the kidneys, such as chronic kidney disease, have also been shown to increase uric acid levels. Some forms of cancer, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and leukemia, are also associated with elevations of uric acid.
Diet
Heavy consumption of foods that contain high levels of purines, the substance from which uric acid is derived, can also lead to increased uric acid in the blood. Purine-rich foods include anchovies, herring, mackerel, game meat such as venison, organ meat such as liver, dried beans and dried peas. Excessive caffeine and alcohol intake are also linked to high uric acid levels.
Medications
Some medications increase levels of uric acid. Thiazide diuretics, sometimes called water pills, are often prescribed to treat high blood pressure and have been linked to high uric acid levels. Aspirin, even in low doses, reduces the excretion of uric acid in urine, thereby increasing uric acid levels in the blood. Niacin, which is prescribed for high cholesterol, and pyrazinamide, which is prescribed for tuberculosis, have both been linked to high uric acid levels.
