High uric acid levels in your body -- specifically in your blood -- is called hyperuricemia. Uric acid levels in your body can increase due to many different reasons, leading to kidney problems and gout in some people. If you're concerned about your uric acid levels, discuss the possible causes, implications and treatments with your health care provider.
Description
Uric acid is a byproduct when your body metabolizes purine, a substance in certain foods, the Mayo Clinic website explains. Normally, your kidneys process uric acid from your blood so you can excrete it through your urine, but some people develop a buildup of uric acid that's not successfully passed through the urine. Increased levels in your blood can occur from an overproduction of uric acid in your body or an inability of your kidneys to get rid of the uric acid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because uric acid is a waste product, excessive levels of it in your body can cause potentially dangerous health problems.
Causes
Elevated uric acid levels in your blood can be caused by diabetes, alcoholism, acidosis, thyroid disorders or lead poisoning, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Gout, leukemia, kidney failure, toxemia of pregnancy and related conditions can also cause high uric acid levels. Increased uric acid in your body can also be caused by chemotherapy, too much exercise or consuming a diet that contains excessive amounts of purine-rich foods. Foods and drinks containing large amounts of purines include anchovies, liver and other organ meats, herring, game meats, dried beans and peas, gravy, mackerel, beer and wine. Other common causes include taking diuretics or immunosuppressant drugs and consuming excessive amounts of caffeine, as well as having lymphoma, obesity or psoriasis, the Mayo Clinic website notes.
Effects
Although increased uric acid levels don't cause significant health problems in many people, you could develop kidney stones, gout or even kidney failure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Uric acid crystals can accumulate in your joints, causing inflammation and gout, or in your kidneys, causing kidney stones, explains the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. High uric acid levels can also indicate the onset of kidney disease, heart disease or hypertension. Keep in mind that although you could have high uric acid levels due to the purines in your diet, increased levels can also hint at a possibly dangerous underlying condition.
Size
Your doctor can test uric acid levels by performing a blood test. The normal results for uric acid blood content are 3.0 to 7.0 milligrams per deciliter -- mg/dL, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because normal levels can vary, your doctor will have to interpret the results and recommend any necessary treatments.
Prevention/Solution
Your physician will determine the proper treatment depending on the underlying cause of your high uric acid levels. In some cases, like with gout, you might need to modify your diet to reduce your uric acid levels. This involves eliminating alcoholic beverages, increasing your fluid intake and limiting or eliminating purine-rich foods in your diet, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
