uric acid builds quietly —
until complications begin

By the time symptoms show, joints and kidneys are often already affected.1

URIC ACID:

How the Body Keeps Things in Check

Uric acid is a natural waste product your body makes every day. When everything is working well, your body removes it just as quickly as it produces it—keeping levels steady without you ever noticing..3,4

STEP 1

Purines break down in the body3

STEP 2

Uric acid dissolves in the blood3

STEP 3

Kidneys filter it from the blood3

STEP 4

Passed through urine3

THE IMBALANCE

Hyperuricemia develops when the body produces too much uric acid, or the kidneys cannot clear enough of it.3,4

WHAT’S AT RISK

The effects of high uric acid
go beyond joint pain

Most people associate hyperuricemia with gout alone. The reality is wider — and often silent.3,5,8

KIDNEYS

Kidney stones and, over time, reduced kidney function. Often picked up only through tests.3,5

HEART

Associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular risks, especially alongside other metabolic conditions.2,7

METABOLIC HEALTH

Increasingly recognized as a marker of overall metabolic balance — linked with diabetes and obesity.2,7

COMMON TRIGGERS

Are you at a higher risk?

If more than one of these applies, a quick chat with your doctor may help you better understand your risk.

RISK FACTORS

4

Men are affected more commonly than women, but a woman’s risk rises noticeably after menopause. A simple blood test is often all it takes to know where you stand.1,3

Please speak with a healthcare professional to better understand your individual risk.

FINDING OUT

Knowing where you stand is
simpler than most people think

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Share your symptoms, lifestyle and family history. A conversation is often the first step..

TAKE A SIMPLE BLOOD TEST

A serum uric acid test measures levels in minutes. A simple blood sample is all that’s needed.

BEGIN A PERSONALIZED PLAN

Your doctor will guide you — through lifestyle, monitoring and, if needed, medication.

IF LEFT UNADDRESSED

Hyperuricemia often builds
in four stages

Early diagnosis can help manage it better.

STAGE 1

Silent elevation

Uric acid levels are raised, but there are no symptoms. Often lasts years.1

STAGE 2

First acute attack

Sudden, severe pain in one joint — most often the big toe. It may last days.1

STAGE 3

Between attacks

Pain-free intervals during which uric acid may continue damaging joints.3

STAGE 4

Chronic stage

Frequent attacks, visible deposits, and potential lasting joint damage.1

1 in 5 people with elevated uric acid may develop gout over time. Identifying the condition at stage 1 can help prevent its progress.1,6

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS – EXPLAINED

Three common beliefs
that need a rethink

MYTHS

FACTS

High uric acid is only a problem if you have gout.

Gout is only the visible face of hyperuricemia. Uric acid can quietly affect kidneys, blood pressure and long-term metabolic health.3,5

Only older adults get hyperuricemia.

Younger adults are being diagnosed in rising numbers — driven by modern diets, weight gain and sedentary lifestyles.1,2

Joint pain is the first sign of high uric acid.

Joint attacks often appear after years of silently elevated uric acid. By then, the body has already been under strain.3

SMALL CHANGES, BIG IMPACT

Healthy Steps that can support with
balancing uric acid levels

Hydrate well

Drink enough water daily4

Eat smart and limit triggers

Balanced diet, less alcohol and sugary drinks1,4

Stay active and maintain weight

Keep moving, manage body weight2

Track regularly

Go for routine health check-ups3

A SHARED JOURNEY

Common. Measurable. Manageable.

One simple test can start the journey. Smart daily choices help you stay on track. A doctor’s guidance helps you move forward with confidence. The body’s quiet signals aren’t meant to alarm you – they’re meant to be heard early.

References:

  1. Dalbeth N, et al. Gout. Lancet. 2021;397(10287):1843‑1855.
  2. Timsans J, et al. Gout and hyperuricemia: a narrative review of their comorbidities and clinical implications. J Clin Med. 2024;13(24):7616.
  3. Mount DB, et al. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia. UpToDate. Updated Feb 2025. Accessed Apr 2026.
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Hyperuricemia (high uric acid level): symptoms, causes & treatment. Updated 2023. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17808-hyperuricemia-high-uric-acid-level
  5. Gaubert M, et al. Hyperuricemia and hypertension, coronary artery disease, and kidney disease: from concept to practice. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(11):4066.
  6. Shiozawa A, et al. Serum uric acid and the risk of incident and recurrent gout: a systematic review. J Rheumatol. 2017;44(3):388‑396.
  7. Al‑Azem F, et al. Hyperuricemia as an early indicator of cardiovascular risk in the general population. J Clin Med. 2025;14(22):7922.
  8. Nishizawa H, et al. Impact of hyperuricemia on chronic kidney disease and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Hypertens Res. 2022;45:1‑9.ck-ups3

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is provided solely for patient education/general awareness purposes for users in India. It is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or replace healthcare professional’s independent judgement or opinion. Advice of medical practitioner should be sought for diagnosis, prognosis and before starting any diet, medication or treatment. No content herein does not constitute or imply an endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation of any kind. The content based on scientific references available on file does not necessarily reflect the views of Abbott or its affiliates. All liabilities are disclaimed by Abbott.

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