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I’m 37 years old and I was diagnosed with gout at 13 years old in the year 2000. I’ve lived with this disease for over two decades. There’s one question that always comes up after I share that I have gout. “Can gout KILL you?” Let’s answer it clearly.
Can Gout Kill You?
Short answer: No. Gout itself is not a fatal disease.
While gout isn’t fatal, its associated conditions can be.
And that’s the part most people don’t talk about.
What Is Gout, really?
Gout is one of the world’s oldest known diseases. It’s often called the “Disease of Kings.” Gout results from excess uric acid due to overproduction or poor elimination.
Uric acid builds up in the bloodstream (a condition called hyperuricemia) and forms needle-like crystals in joints, tendons, bones and soft tissues.
Common locations can include the big toe, feet, hands, knees, elbows and shoulders.
In rare cases, urate deposits can even affect the spine.
The Real Risk: Comorbidities
Here’s where things get serious. Gout is almost always linked to hyperuricemia and other diseases. This is what doctors calls a comorbidity issue. Comorbidity is the simultaneous presence of two or more medical conditions in a patient. Gout is strongly associated with multiple comorbidities that can be life-threatening if unmanaged.
Let’s talk about them.
1. Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease)
Uric acid travels through your bloodstream. Elevated levels are associated with high blood pressure, arterial inflammation and/or increased cardiovascular risk.
Several studies have linked chronic hyperuricemia to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular mortality. Long-term uncontrolled uric acid may increase heart-related risks.
2. Kidney Disease and Kidney Stones
Your kidneys are responsible for filtering uric acid. If you ignore your gout, it can seriously complicate your kidneys. Kidney stones can become more frequent and more painful. Chronic kidney disease risk increases and kidney functions can decline over time
Uncontrolled kidney disease can absolutely become life-threatening.
3. Fatty Liver Disease
Gout is frequently associated with metabolic syndrome.
That includes:
- Fatty liver disease
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- High triglycerides
Advanced fatty liver disease can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if not addressed.
4. Thyroid Disorders (Including Hashimoto’s)
I developed Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune thyroid condition). There is growing research showing links between thyroid dysfunction and hyperuricemia. If you have gout, it is worth asking your doctor for a full thyroid panel.
5. Cancer Risk and Chronic Inflammation
Some research has shown that prolonged hyperuricemia may be associated with increased cancer risk. This does not mean gout causes cancer directly. Chronic systemic inflammation is never something to ignore.
6. Lung and Other Tissue Involvement
In rare cases, urate deposits (tophi) have been found in unusual areas of the body. Personally, I have pulmonary nodules which are small benign spots in my lung. They are not masses and they are not cancer. This is why ongoing monitoring matters.
What can Happen If You Ignore Gout?
This is the part I wish more people understood. You might think, “I only get one gout attack a year. I’ll deal with it on my own.” Ignoring your gout attacks can possibly lead to tophi. Gout can become destructive.
What Other Damages Gout Can Cause?
My hands are permanently deformed from years of uncontrolled gout. I cannot lay them flat. Some fingers lock up. I struggle carrying groceries. My elbows and knees are damaged. Tophi, which are large urate deposits, can erode your tendons, ligaments and bones. My deformities in my hands will never be reversible. Gout may permanently change your mobility and quality of life.
What Should You Do If You Have Gout?
If you’ve been diagnosed, do not just take allopurinol casually, ignore lab work and skip follow-ups. Never ignore your doctor and think you can solve your gout with supplements. You should request a full blood panel for your uric acid. Ask for your doctor to check for kidney function, liver enzymes, thyroid levels and lipid profiles. Seek out a rheumatologist. A specialist understands long-term urate control. When thyroid dysfunction is suspected, seek out an endocrinologist.
Monitor your body for any weird bumps and lumps above the bones, tendons and under the skin. You are checking for any tophi deposits. Remember, not every lump is a tophus and not every lump is harmless.
If you notice something new, get it checked.
Final Answer: Can Gout Kill You?
No, gout itself is not fatal. Uncontrolled gout increases your risk of serious conditions that can shorten your life. These can include heart disease, kidney disease, and metabolic complications. The good news? Most of these risks are manageable! You have to keep up with things like proper uric acid control, regular lab monitoring, specialist care and keep up with any lifestyle changes.
Gout is treatable.
Ignoring it is what becomes dangerous.
Here is a link to my other article talking about my actual triggers for gout attacks after 25 years. What Actually Triggers My Gout: A 25-Year Personal Breakdown – thefamousjacob.com
Medical News Today has a more in-depth article from a medical researcher (doctors) that discuss this topic in more medical terminology. Gout: Complications and long-term management
If You’ve Been Recently Diagnosed
Gout is not “just arthritis.” It’s a metabolic disease with systemic effects. Remember to take your gout seriously because you just might prevent lifelong complications later in life.
Be sure to check out my Amazon Gout Gear Lists and Links at the top of the page if you need help with items for your home. Here’s the link, Amazon Gout Gear List and Links – thefamousjacob.com
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