High blood pressure is sometimes called a “silent” disease. But if you have high blood pressure that leads to gout - a type of arthritis - you may find that this warning signal is anything but silent.
In a new study from the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, researchers from Boston University used data from a nationwide survey conducted in 2007 and 2008 to estimate how many Americans have gout. This condition is caused by excessive uric acid in the body. The substance can gather and form spiky deposits in the joints – particularly in the big toe – leading to an ailment that some call one of the most painful types of arthritis.
Based on their data, they estimated that 3.9 percent of American adults had gout, with the problem affecting 6.1 million men and 2.2 million women. Compared to an earlier national survey conducted in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the prevalence of gout had gone up by 1.2 percent.
Some further math led the researchers to conclude that the rising number of Americans with gout was likely related to increasing body fat and hypertension across the country.
Fortunately, many of the same steps that will help you prevent or treat high blood pressure will work against gout at the same time. The National Institutes of Health recommends that people with gout eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly in order to attain a healthy weight. The American College of Rheumatology also recommends gradual weight loss to help control gout if you’re too heavy. Losing weight too fast can increase uric acid levels in your system.
Drinking too much alcohol can also put you at added risk for gout – and high blood pressure. The American College of Rheumatology recommends cutting back on alcohol or avoiding it completely as another approach for controlling gout.
All of these lifestyle fixes – sensible eating, weight loss if needed, exercise, and limiting alcohol - are also key elements for controlling your blood pressure. While you’re at it, quitting smoking and cutting down on salt and sodium in your diet are also important ways to prevent and treat high blood pressure.
Taking steps now to protect yourself from both conditions is a smart plan, and one that your toes will probably appreciate.
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