Last update:
07-Feb-2008

The relationship between high plasma levels of uric acid and cardiovascular disease was described for first time at the end of the 19th century. Since then several epidemiological and clinical observations on the topic have been reported, but the data on the relationship between serum uric acid and cardiovascular disease in the general population are contradictory. Recent studies suggest that high serum uric acid levels may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in individuals already at high risk, such as patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and heart failure. Intervention with medications which reduce serum uric acid levels is associated with reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Several potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain the association between high serum uric acid levels and cardiovascular disease, including increased platelet adhesiveness, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle cell proliferation in patients with hyperuricemia. Large-scale prospective trials, especially in high-risk individuals, are needed to clarify the potential relationship between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease.

Key words: Arterial hypertension, Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes mellitus, Uric acid.