What is the Relationship Between Gout and Cardiovascular Risk?

Successful treatment of gout can certainly relieve pain and perhaps improve joint function, but could it also impact how we look at cardiovascular risk? A recent meta-analysis set out to investigate if one’s cardiovascular mortality risk related to having a history of gout.¹ The authors pointed out that, although there was suggestion of a relationship between the two, the association has thus far been unclear.
 
They looked at published research from prior to March 2023 and summarized the results, including hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. These researchers found that individuals with gout had a higher risk for cardiovascular and coronary heart disease mortality, as well as for myocardial infarction, during follow-up.¹ This was in comparison to cohorts of patients without gout.
 
Overall, the authors concluded that this meta-analysis supported the presence of a significantly increased mortality risk in each of these three domains for patients with gout when compared to individuals without gout.¹
 
Since podiatrists are often a first-line provider for gout in the foot and ankle, this information may allow for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to the condition, including education on cardiovascular and related risks, along with appropriate referrals for cardiac evaluation when indicated.
 
Reference
1.        Yuan J, Xie Z, Pan B, Zhang J. Impact of gout on cardiovascular disease mortality: a meta-analysis. Z Rheumatol. 2024 Feb 1. English. doi: 10.1007/s00393-024-01479-x.