Increased Serum Uric Acid as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Diseases

Uric acid, the final product of purine catabolism, tends to accumulate in humans due to the lack of the enzyme uricase. Serum uric acid (SUA) higher than 7 mg/dL is defined as hyperuricemia, the main established risk factor for the development of gout. Nonetheless, since the nineteenth century evidence has increased about the involvement of SUA in the development of cardiovascular diseases. This review will analyze the evidence supporting the existence of a causal relationship between hyperuricemia and the most common cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and stroke. We will also review the strength of the relationship as well as the role of hyperuricemia as a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Finally we will discuss if treating hyperuricemia could have a role in terms of cardiovascular prevention.