Gout is due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid (urate) in the blood (hyperuricemia).[4][7] This occurs from a combination of diet, other health problems, and genetic factors.[3][4] At high levels, uric acid crystallizes and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues, resulting in an attack of gout.[3] Gout occurs more commonly in those who regularly drink beer or sugar-sweetened beverages; eat foods that are high in purines such as liver, shellfish, or anchovies; or are overweight.[3][5] Diagnosis of gout may be confirmed by the presence of crystals in the joint fluid or in a deposit outside the joint.[3] Blood uric acid levels may be normal during an attack.[3]
Gout affects about 1–2% of adults in the developed world at some point in their lives.[7] It has become more common in recent decades.[3] This is believed to be due to increasing risk factors in the population, such as metabolic syndrome, longer life expectancy, and changes in diet.[7] Older males are most commonly affected.[3] Gout was historically known as "the disease of kings" or "rich man's disease".[7][17] It has been recognized at least since the time of the ancient Egyptians.[7]
^ abBeyl RN Jr, 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.
^"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.