Risk factors for gout (gouty arthritis)-Understanding risks
Numbers of things have been found to be associated gout. They do not directly cause gout, however they surely increase the chances. Some of these are natural and some of them are induced due to internal changes in the body. Few of the risk factors for gout (gouty arthritis) have been given below.

• Eating substances rich in the Purines is one of the major risk factors for gout (gouty arthritis). Uric acid is formed from purines. Therefore, more consumption of purines will increase the levels of uric acid and give rise to gout.
• Obesity and overweight has a relation with gout and therefore they are considered among the risk factors for gout. They increase the uric acid levels in the body and put excessive pressure on the joints. Thus, they not only increase the risk of gout but also cause more damage to the affected joints.
• Excessive intake of alcoholic drinks also elevates the risks.
• High blood pressure too is associated with gout. This is because there are great chances that the patients of high blood pressure also have higher level of uric acid in their blood.
• Genetics is one of the major risk factors for gout (gouty arthritis). If a persons family history consist any case of gout then such a person is at a risk of gout as well. It has been estimated that almost 18% of such people develop gout. However, it is important to note that men are more prone to gout due to genetic reasons than women are.
• The responsibility of removing uric acid from the blood lies with the kidneys. The problems with kidneys also are among the important risk factors for gout (gouty arthritis).
• Some other diseases or medical conditions also are among the risk factors for gout (gouty arthritis). Some of them are leukemia, lymphoma, hypothyroidism, hemoglobin disorders, etc. when these diseases affect the mechanism of uric acid can lead to gout.
• Consumption of some toxic substance as lead, drugs, etc can affect the metabolism of uric acid and therefore lead to gout. Such substances should be avoided in any case.
• There are certain medications as well which can increase the uric acid levels and therefore increases the chances gout. Therefore, medications, which have such side effects, should be used carefully and taken only under the supervision of a doctor. Some of them are thiazide diuretics, aspirin, salicylates, cyclosporine, Niacin, Levodopa, Aminophylline, or the medications used in the treatment of tuberculosis.

Some risk factors for gout (gouty arthritis) can be controlled while some of them cannot be controlled. Everybody should try to prevent the controllable ones and thus stay away from gout.