The uric acid is a chemical compound that is created in the body when it breaks down substances called purines. Purines are produced normally in the body, but we can also obtain them through some drinks and food. Although most of the uric acid dissolves in the blood and ends up in the kidneys to exit through the urine, if the body produces too much uric acid it can take a toll. In this case, when the levels of this chemical are high in the body, it is known as hyperuricemia. Now, what happens if I have high uric acid? How does it affect me?
In case the body produces too much uric acid or does not release enough uric acid through the urine, crystals can form in the joints which cause a lot of pain when producing a painful swelling around the joints. This is commonly known as gout, although it is not the only result of hyperuricemia. High uric acid levels can also cause other problems, such as kidney stones or kidney failure.
How can I know if I have high uric acid?
To know if you have high or not, you need to perform a test that measures the amount of uric acid in the blood or urine . It is the most common test that is usually done when making a diagnosis, although the symptoms prior to the test can also give us an idea of what we suffer from.
The uric acid test is generally used to find out if a patient usually suffers from gout, although it is also used to find the cause of frequent kidney stones or control the level of uric acid in people who are subjected to treatments of cancer.
When should I get tested for hyperuricemia?
