Gout independently linked to cardiovascular mortality

Middle-aged men with hyperuricemia are at a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, according to a new retrospective study. Over a 17 year period 9,105 men, aged 41 to 63 years, who participated in the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT) and did not die or show evidence of coronary artery disease were assessed for an association between gouty arthritis and long-term CVD mortality. Participants with self-reported physician-diagnosed gout (with documentation of hyperuricemia) had higher unadjusted mortality rates from CVD than those without gout, at 10.3 versus 8.0 per 1000 person-years, translating into an approximately 30% increased relative risk. After adjustment for use of diuretics and aspirin, and serum creatinine levels, a diagnosis of gout accompanied by an elevated uric acid level was linked to coronary heart disease death, myocardial infarction death, any CVD death, and all-cause death. Sensitivity analysis examining gout separately from hyperuricemia indicated that the strongest associations with mortality were for participants with both gout and hyperuricemia. The group conclude, “Among middle-aged men, a diagnosis of gout accompanied by an elevated uric acid level imparts significant independent CVD mortality risk.” Reference...