Cardiovascular Disease

• Cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD or heart disease, covers a variety of conditions which affect the heart and blood vessels. This includes coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects. Because of the number of poor lifestyle choices (smoking, drinking alcohol, and overeating) that contribute to the cause of cardiovascular disease, many efforts exist to inform individuals about the risks of their actions. The studies on uric acid levels and cardiovascular disease are another piece to understanding the impact of diet on heart disease.
  
  

Uric Acid

• Uric acid is a byproduct of the metabolism of purines. According to Verdecchia et al., uric acid has antioxidant capabilities; however, it may be toxic in high levels and can cause damage to the tissue. Excess uric acid is normally excreted through urine. The existence of high uric acid levels in individuals with cardiovascular disease is unclear. The PIUMA Study is unsure of the role that high uric levels play in cardiovascular disease, but there is a strong correlation between them suggesting that their relation requires further study.
  
  

Controversy

• Several studies found correlations between serum uric acid levels and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. However, these initial studies were questioned because the correlation was insignificant due to other risk factors present in the participants. The current study aimed to dispel those claims by controlling other risk factors. Once controlled, Verdecchia et al. found that the correlation was significant, which strengthened the correlation between uric acid and cardiovascular disease.
  
  

Study's Procedure

• The Verdecchia et al. study, or the PIUMA Study, followed more than 1,500 people for approximately 10 years. In the initial portion of the study, each patient's resting blood pressure (BP) was measured and recorded by a doctor. The patients' ambulatory BP was also measured. This was done systematically over a 24-hour period with a device the participant wore. Participants were later followed with their doctor's office reporting their health status, including any cardiovascular events (stroke, heart attack, etc.). Uric acid levels were noted as well.
  
  

Results

• According to Verdecchia et al., the results of the PIUMA study showed that participants with the highest level of uric acid had more cardiovascular events than patients with lower levels of uric acid. Not only were they more at risk for a cardiovascular event but they also were more at risk for fatal cardiovascular risks and mortality in general. Verdecchia et al. concluded that if hypertension is untreated in an individual, high uric acid levels are indicative of cardiovascular disease.