Gout Risk Factors

Gout risk factors are strongly correlated with the occurence of gout attacks, so it is important to be familiar with the risk factors in order to avoid gout symptoms.

High levels of uric acid in the body may cause gout to develop, so if any of the gout risk factors apply to you it is a good idea to actively work to keep your uric acid levels lower. Factors that may increase the uric acid include:

1. One of the biggest gout risk factors is your lifestyle, and more specifically your eating habits. If you are a heavy drinker or eat foods that are high in purines, your uric acid levels may rise and cause gout.

2. Family history is another risk factor for gout, you are more likely to develop symptoms of gout if your family members have had the condition. In some families, an enzyme that helps to break down purines may be missing.

3. Gender and age play a big role in gout risk factors. Gout occurs more often in men than in women, but after menopause women become more susceptible (and closer to the risk factors of men).

4. Excessive eating and obesity may cause gout to occur. It has been found that heavy eaters are more susceptible to higher uric acid levels because of the larger amounts of food that enter the body.

5. Other medical conditions and the consumption of certain medications may also be a gout risk factor. Some of these medications and conditions reduce the body's ability to remove uric acid from the bloodstream.

6. Certain conditions may cause a gout attack, some of these conditions include: having surgery, being dehydrated, or having an infection.