Getting to Know Uric Acid and High Cholesterol
Before getting to know the differences in depth, you can understand the understanding of uric acid, which is a compound formed from the breakdown of purines in the body. Purines are substances found in food and also produced by the body. Uric acid usually dissolves in the blood and is filtered by the kidneys to be excreted in the urine. However, sometimes uric acid levels can increase and cause gout.
Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid and high uric acid levels can cause uric acid crystals to form in the joints, tissues around the joints, and other organs, causing inflammation and pain.
Meanwhile, cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the body and also in several foods. Most cholesterol is produced by the liver, but it can also come from the food consumed. Cholesterol has an important role in the formation of body cells and the production of certain hormones.
High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia occurs when blood cholesterol levels increase above normal limits. High cholesterol levels can cause plaque buildup in blood vessels, which is called atherosclerosis. This plaque can narrow or even block blood flow to the heart and brain, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Difference between Uric Acid and High Cholesterol
Gout and high cholesterol are two different health conditions, although both are related to fat metabolism and can have an impact on blood vessel health. Following are the main differences between gout and high cholesterol:
Gout:
- Sources and metabolism: Uric acid is a byproduct of the breakdown of purines in the body. Purines can come from food or be produced by the body.
- Impact on joints: High uric acid levels can cause uric acid crystals to form in the joints, which can cause inflammation and pain.
- Risk factors: Risk factors for gout include genetics, a high-purine diet, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
High cholesterol:
- Sources and metabolism: Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the body and food. Cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins, such as LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).
- Impact on blood vessels: High cholesterol levels can cause plaque buildup in blood vessels, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Risk factors: Risk factors for high cholesterol involve genetics, a diet high in saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking habits.
Although gout and high cholesterol have different characteristics and health impacts, both can be influenced by lifestyle and diet factors. It is important to understand the difference between the two and approach the appropriate treatment according to the individual's health condition.
Management of Uric Acid and High Cholesterol
Management of gout and cholesterol involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring by a health professional. Here are some general steps that can help manage both conditions:
Management of Gout
- Low purine diet
Avoid foods high in purine, such as organ meats (liver, kidney), certain fish (sardines, tuna), and other seafood and increase consumption of foods low in purine, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. - Adequate hydration
Drink lots of water to help excrete uric acid through urine. Patients should be well hydrated with a minimum of >2 liters of water per day. - Maintain a healthy weight
Control your weight, because obesity can increase the risk of high uric acid. Patients who are overweight must modify their diet to achieve an ideal body weight.
- Regular exercise
Do light to moderate exercise regularly to help maintain your weight and improve heart health. This is included in efforts to treat Gout patients, but excessive exercise and the risk of joint trauma must be avoided. - Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
Alcohol and cigarettes can worsen gout conditions. - Drugs
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to reduce uric acid production or increase its excretion.
Management of High Cholesterol
- Diet low in saturated fat
Reduce consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fast food, fried foods and processed foods. - Consume foods rich in fiber
Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. - Regular exercise
Do regular aerobic physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming. - Quit smoking
Smoking can damage blood vessels and worsen high cholesterol conditions. - Maintain a healthy weight
Control your weight or lose it if necessary. - Drugs
Doctors can prescribe medication to help control cholesterol levels. - Regular monitoring
Have regular check-ups to monitor cholesterol levels and ensure effective management.
It is important to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to determine a management plan appropriate to the individual's health condition. Each person has unique health needs, and care must be tailored to each individual's specific needs.
Article written by dr. Steffie Simpinano Solin, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Cibitung Hospital).