Gout is due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.[5][8] This occurs from a combination of diet, other health problems, and genetic factors.[4][5] At high levels, uric acid crystallizes and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues, resulting in an attack of gout.[4] Gout occurs more commonly in those who regularly eat meat or seafood, drink beer, or are overweight.[4][6] Diagnosis of gout may be confirmed by the presence of crystals in the joint fluid or in a deposit outside the joint.[4] Blood uric acid levels may be normal during an attack.[4]
Gout affects about 1 to 2% of the Western population at some point in their lives.[8] It has become more common in recent decades.[4] This is believed to be due to increasing risk factors in the population, such as metabolic syndrome, longer life expectancy, and changes in diet.[8] Older males are most commonly affected.[4] Gout was historically known as "the disease of kings" or "rich man's disease".[8][14] It has been recognized at least since the time of the ancient Egyptians.[8]
^ abBeyl Jr, R. N.; Hughes, L; Morgan, S (2016). "Update on Importance of Diet in Gout". The American Journal of Medicine. 129 (11): 1153–1158. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.06.040. PMID27452679.
^Schlesinger N (March 2010). "Diagnosing and treating gout: a review to aid primary care physicians". Postgrad Med. 122 (2): 157–61. doi:10.3810/pgm.2010.03.2133. PMID20203467.
^"Questions and Answers about Gout". National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. June 2015. Archived from the original on 15 January 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.