Uric Acid: What Your Results Mean
Bottom line: Uric acid is waste from purine breakdown. Normal is 2.5-7.0 mg/dL. High levels can cause gout and kidney stones.
What Is Uric Acid?
Uric acid is a waste product that forms when your body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found naturally in your body and also in certain foods, such as red meat, organ meats, and some types of seafood. Normally, uric acid dissolves in your blood, passes through your kidneys, and is eliminated from your body in urine. However, if your body produces too much uric acid or your kidneys don't eliminate enough of it, uric acid can build up in your blood, leading to a condition called hyperuricemia.
High levels of uric acid in the blood can be a concern because it can lead to the formation of crystals. These crystals, known as monosodium urate crystals, can deposit in your joints and surrounding tissues, causing a painful condition called gout. Over time, these deposits can lead to joint damage. Elevated uric acid levels can also be associated with other health problems, including kidney stones and, in some cases, cardiovascular disease. Monitoring uric acid levels is important for assessing your risk and managing these conditions.
Uric Acid Reference Ranges
| Classification | Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Very Low | < 2.0 |
| Low | 2.0 - 3.4 |
| Normal (Men) | 3.5 - 7.0 |
| Normal (Women) | 2.5 - 6.0 |
| High | 7.1 - 9.0 |
| Very High | > 9.0 |
What Affects Your Uric Acid Levels?
- Diet (high purine foods)
- Kidney function
- Medications (e.g., diuretics, aspirin)
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Genetics
- Certain medical conditions (e.g., psoriasis, leukemia)
- Dehydration
When to Get Tested
Your doctor may order a uric acid test if you are experiencing symptoms of gout, such as sudden, severe joint pain, redness, and swelling, particularly in the big toe. It is also often tested if you have a history of kidney stones or if there is suspicion of other conditions related to uric acid metabolism. This test can be part of a routine physical examination to screen for potential health issues, especially if you have risk factors for high uric acid, such as a family history of gout, obesity, or certain dietary habits.
Look Up Your Uric Acid Result
Select your value below to see a detailed breakdown of what it means:
Read the Full Blood Test Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
High uric acid itself often has no direct symptoms. However, it can lead to gout attacks, characterized by sudden, intense joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth, often in the big toe. Prolonged high uric acid can also contribute to kidney stones, which can cause severe back or side pain.
Yes, diet plays a substantial role. Consuming foods rich in purines, such as red meat, organ meats, certain seafood (like anchovies and sardines), and alcoholic beverages, can increase uric acid production. Conversely, a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help manage uric acid levels.
Untreated high uric acid levels increase the risk of developing gout, which can lead to painful joint inflammation and long-term joint damage. It also raises the likelihood of forming kidney stones, causing significant pain and potential kidney problems. In some individuals, high uric acid may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
