Which item is considered a lifestyle-related gout risk factor?

Which item is considered a lifestyle-related gout risk factor?

• A. Organ transplant
• B. Alcohol consumption
• C. Genetic risk factors
• D. Medications

Answer: (B)

Lifestyle factors can influence gout risk, and alcohol consumption is a classic modifiable contributor. Drinking alcohol, especially beer and spirits, increases uric acid for a couple of reasons: it boosts uric acid production and it impairs the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid. Ethanol metabolism also raises lactic acid, which competes with urate for excretion, causing uric acid to accumulate. Dehydration from drinking further concentrates uric acid in the blood, elevating risk for a gout attack. Organ transplant relates to a medical situation and treatment rather than a daily lifestyle choice, since immunosuppressants and other medications used after transplant can influence uric acid but that’s about medical management. Genetic risk factors are inherent and not something you can modify with lifestyle. Some medications can raise uric acid, but again, they are pharmacologic factors rather than lifestyle behaviors.

Lifestyle factors can influence gout risk, and alcohol consumption is a classic modifiable contributor. Drinking alcohol, especially beer and spirits, increases uric acid for a couple of reasons: it boosts uric acid production and it impairs the kidneys’ ability to excrete uric acid. Ethanol metabolism also raises lactic acid, which competes with urate for excretion, causing uric acid to accumulate. Dehydration from drinking further concentrates uric acid in the blood, elevating risk for a gout attack.

Organ transplant relates to a medical situation and treatment rather than a daily lifestyle choice, since immunosuppressants and other medications used after transplant can influence uric acid but that’s about medical management. Genetic risk factors are inherent and not something you can modify with lifestyle. Some medications can raise uric acid, but again, they are pharmacologic factors rather than lifestyle behaviors.