Gout and Hyperuricemia Rates Rising Among U.S. Adults

Author: Wiley-Blackwell
Published: 2011/07/28 - Updated: 2025/05/27
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Data & Statistical Analysis
Category Topic: Bones and Joints - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, analyzes data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to assess the prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia among American adults. The study reveals that gout affects approximately 8.3 million individuals (4% of the adult population), while hyperuricemia - elevated uric acid levels - impacts about 43.3 million adults (21%). The findings indicate a significant increase in both conditions over the past two decades, correlating with rising rates of obesity and hypertension. Notably, the prevalence of gout is higher in men (6%) compared to women (2%), and hyperuricemia rates are similar between genders. The research underscores the importance of managing modifiable risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure, to prevent further escalation of these conditions. These insights are particularly valuable for healthcare providers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, as gout can lead to severe joint pain and mobility issues, affecting quality of life and independence - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Gout prevalence has swelled in the U.S. over the past two decades. An increase in American obesity and hypertension are the most likely contributors.

Main Content

A new study shows the prevalence of gout in the U.S. has risen over the last twenty years and now affects 8.3 million (4%) Americans. Prevalence of increased uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) also rose, affecting 43.3 million (21%) adults in the U.S.

Greater frequency of obesity and hypertension may be associated with the jump in prevalence rates according to the findings now available in Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Gout, an inflammatory arthritis triggered by crystallization of uric acid within the joints, causes severe pain and swelling. Medical evidence suggests that gout is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome a group of health conditions characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and blood lipid issues and may lead to heart attack, diabetes and premature death.

Prior research found that gout incidence in the U.S. more than doubled from the 1960s to 1990s.

"Our study aim was to determine if the prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia among U.S. adults has continued to climb in the new millennium," said Dr. Hyon Choi, Professor of Medicine in the Section of Rheumatology and the Clinical Epidemiology Unit at Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts and senior investigator of the present study.

Researchers analyzed data from the latest U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) which was conducted in 2007 and 2008, comparing the data with those from previous NHANES surveys (1988-1994).

There were 5,707 participants who completed the most recent NHANES survey which included questions regarding history of gout diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

Researchers defined hyperuricemia as serum urate level greater than 7.0 mg/dL in men and 5.7 mg/dL in women.

Results from the nationally-representative sample of adult Americans suggest gout and hyperuricemia remain prevalent in the U.S. and compared to earlier NHANES data was 1% and 3% higher, respectively.

After adjusting for obesity or hypertension, the differences in prevalence rates were substantially lessened.

Further analysis revealed that gout prevalence was higher in men (6%) compared to women (2%); hyperuricemia occurred in 21.2% of men and 21.6% of women.

Dr. Choi concluded;

"We found that the prevalences of gout and hyperuricemia continue to be substantial in the U.S. adult population. Improvements in managing modifiable risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension, could help prevent further escalation of gout and hyperuricemia among Americans."

This study is published in Arthritis & Rheumatism.

"Prevalence of Gout and Hyperuricemia in the US General Population." Yanyan Zhu, Bhavik J Pandya, Hyon K Choi." Arthritis & Rheumatism; Published Online: July 28, 2011.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: The increasing prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the United States highlights a pressing public health concern, especially among aging populations and those with disabilities. This study emphasizes the need for proactive management of lifestyle-related risk factors to mitigate the impact of these conditions. As the population ages and lifestyle-related risk factors persist, these findings reinforce the urgent need for targeted interventions and accessible healthcare strategies, especially for vulnerable groups such as seniors and individuals with disabilities, to curb the growing burden of gout and its serious health consequences. Healthcare professionals and policymakers should prioritize education and intervention strategies to address this growing issue - Disabled World (DW).

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Wiley-Blackwell and published on 2011/07/28, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.

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APA: Wiley-Blackwell. (2011, July 28 - Last revised: 2025, May 27). Gout and Hyperuricemia Rates Rising Among U.S. Adults. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved November 15, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/orthopedics/gout.php

MLA: Wiley-Blackwell. "Gout and Hyperuricemia Rates Rising Among U.S. Adults." Disabled World (DW), 28 Jul. 2011, revised 27 May. 2025. Web. 15 Nov. 2025. <www.disabled-world.com/health/orthopedics/gout.php>.

Chicago: Wiley-Blackwell. "Gout and Hyperuricemia Rates Rising Among U.S. Adults." Disabled World (DW). Last modified May 27, 2025. www.disabled-world.com/health/orthopedics/gout.php.

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/orthopedics/gout.php">Gout and Hyperuricemia Rates Rising Among U.S. Adults</a>: Peer-reviewed study finds gout now affects 8.3 million Americans, with obesity and hypertension as key drivers; highlights urgent need for prevention.

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