Elevated uric acid may pose a threat to heart health, even when levels remain within the normal range.
In a groundbreaking study led by researchers at Halle University Medicine, the connection between urine acid levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, particularly in women, has been brought to light. The study, based on data from over 70,000 participants in the NAKO Health Study, suggests that urine acid could be an independent and underestimated risk factor for CVD, even at levels considered normal.
The researchers measured the connection between urine acid levels and vascular stiffness using pulse wave velocity. Their findings indicate that the link between urine acid and vascular stiffness is a risk marker for CVD. Interestingly, the study shows that this connection is more pronounced in women.
Current recommendations focus on recognising uric acid as an important risk factor, even within normal ranges. The study conducted by Halle University Medicine questions the current urine acid limits, as it links normal urine acid levels to increased vascular stiffness. Nine out of ten participants had urine acid levels within the currently accepted normal range, yet the connection between urine acid and vascular stiffness was observed even within this range.
The study's findings underscore the importance of monitoring uric acid levels in women to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Emerging biomarkers, like the uric acid-to-HDL cholesterol ratio (UHR), may provide improved predictive value in women.
Dietary and lifestyle interventions are central preventive measures. Reducing purine-rich foods, increasing vegetable intake, and adhering to the Mediterranean diet are recommended for lowering uric acid levels and overall cardiovascular risk, particularly in older adults. Hydration status is also important, as underhydration is linked to higher serum uric acid and potentially greater cardiovascular risk.
Management of comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease is crucial, as these conditions often coexist with elevated uric acid and cardio-metabolic risk factors in aging populations.
Halle University Medicine emphasises that urine acid, even at levels considered safe, may be a risk factor for CVD. The study suggests considering preventive therapy with urine acid-lowering medications even within the normal range, particularly for women. High urine acid levels significantly increase the risk of CVD, according to the study.
In summary, the study highlights the importance of monitoring and managing uric acid levels in women, adopting dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, maintaining adequate hydration, and managing associated metabolic conditions to lower CVD risk. Emerging biomarkers like the uric acid-to-HDL ratio may enhance risk prediction and preventive strategies tailored for women. The study's findings suggest reevaluating the current urine acid limits.
- The groundbreaking study led by Halle University Medicine has highlighted the connection between urine acid levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women.
- The researchers found that urine acid could be an independent and underestimated risk factor for CVD, even at levels considered normal, through the measurement of vascular stiffness using pulse wave velocity.
- The study suggests that the link between urine acid and vascular stiffness is a risk marker for CVD, especially in women, and questions the current urine acid limits.
- Management of metabolic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease is crucial, as these conditions often coexist with elevated uric acid and cardio-metabolic risk factors in aging populations. Meaningful preventive measures include adopting dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, maintaining adequate hydration, and considering preventive therapy with urine acid-lowering medications, particularly in women.
