Hyperuricemia in Chronic Heart Failure

Development of hyperuricemia is associated with excessive body mass, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, overuse of diuretics, elderly age, and abnormal renal function. Data are accumulated on existence of links between elevated uric acid level and arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, and chronic heart failure (CHF). Hyperuricemia has been found in 60% of patients hospitalized because of decompensation of CHF. In CHF isolated hyperuricemia (irrespective of the state of renal function and administration of drugs) appears to be a marker of altered oxidative metabolism characterized by elevation of levels of free radicals which damage cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelium inducing disturbances of myocardial contractility and vasoconstriction. Hyperuricemia associated with insulin resistance, tissue hypoxia, elevated production of cytokines and free radicals can negatively affect cardiovascular system and worsen prognosis in patients with CHF.