High uric acid can affect several organs, including joints, kidneys, and blood vessels.
- Joints: Uric acid crystals can form in joints, leading to gout, a painful form of arthritis. This can cause inflammation, swelling, and intense pain in the affected joint, often the big toe.
- Kidneys: High uric acid levels can cause kidney stones, which are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. Uric acid can also lead to kidney failure over time.
- Blood Vessels: High uric acid may contribute to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
It's important to note that not everyone with high uric acid levels develops gout or kidney stones. However, it is crucial to manage high uric acid levels to reduce the risk of these complications.
