What does hyperuricemia refer to?

Hyperuricemia specifically refers to an elevated level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism, which comes from the breakdown of certain foods and tissues within the body. When the body produces too much uric acid, or when the kidneys do not excrete enough of it, this can lead to hyperuricemia.

This condition can lead to various health issues, the most notable being gout, which is characterized by sudden and severe pain, redness, and inflammation in the joints due to uric acid crystal deposits. Understanding hyperuricemia is crucial because it can help guide treatment strategies and lifestyle modifications to prevent the complications associated with elevated uric acid levels. In clinical practice, identifying this condition early can help manage or reduce the risk of developing gout or other related disorders.