Can gout medication like allopurinol reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke?

Yes, a University of Nottingham study found that allopurinol, when taken at the right dose, can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What is the target uric acid level to reduce heart risks when taking gout medication?

Reducing uric acid blood levels below 360 micromol/L decreased heart issues by nine percent, with further reduction to below 300 micromol/L cutting risks by about 23 percent.

What are the benefits of allopurinol beyond treating gout pain?

Beyond preventing gout flares, allopurinol offers the added benefit of reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to these diseases.

Home / Health / Gout Med Slashes Heart Attack, Stroke Risk

Gout Med Slashes Heart Attack, Stroke Risk

26 Jan

•

Summary

Gout medication allopurinol may significantly reduce heart attack and stroke risks.
Lowering uric acid levels below 360mmol/L decreased heart issues by nine percent.
Further reduction to below 300mmol/L cut heart risks by approximately 23 percent.

Gout Med Slashes Heart Attack, Stroke Risk

A University of Nottingham study suggests that allopurinol, a common gout medication, may significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. This medication works by lowering uric acid levels in the blood, helping to dissolve painful crystals.

Researchers analyzed data from 110,000 adults between 2007 and 2021. They found that individuals whose uric acid levels were brought below 360 micromol/L had a nine percent lower risk of major cardiovascular events.

Further reducing these levels to below 300 micromol/L offered even greater protection, decreasing the risk of heart issues by approximately 23 percent. This provides an added benefit beyond the pain relief associated with gout flares.