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Uric Acid, Hypertension, and Cardiovascular and Renal Complications

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Abstract

Over the last decade, the biologic interference of uric acid with the cardiovascular (CV) system and the kidney has been intensively investigated, and several experimental studies in animal models and in vitro documented that hyperuricemia may trigger hypertension and incite endothelial dysfunction, vascular damage and renal disease. A substantial proportion of epidemiological studies are compatible with the hypothesis that hyperuricemia may be noxious to the CV system and the kidney as well. However, there are still no well-powered trials testing whether uric acid–lowering interventions may reduce BP or attenuate the risk for adverse CV and renal outcomes. Evidence still remains largely insufficient to recommend changes in the current policy of not prescribing uric acid–lowering drugs to individuals with asymptomatic hyperuricemia.

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Carmine Zoccali and Francesca Mallamaci declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  1. CNR National Research Council (Italy) Clinical Epidemiology and Physiopathology of Renal Disease and Hypertension Unit and Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation unit, Ospedali Riuniti, Reggio Calabria, 89124, Italy

    Carmine Zoccali & Francesca Mallamaci

  2. Renal and Transplantation Unit Ospedali Riuniti, Reggio Calabria, 89124, Italy

    Carmine Zoccali & Francesca Mallamaci

  3. Nefrologia e CNR, Ospedali Riuniti, Reggio Calabria, 89124, Italy

    Carmine Zoccali

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Correspondence to Carmine Zoccali.

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Zoccali, C., Mallamaci, F. Uric Acid, Hypertension, and Cardiovascular and Renal Complications. Curr Hypertens Rep 15, 531–537 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-013-0391-y

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