Is a blood uric acid level of 480 low or high? Has a uric acid level of 480 caused gout?

Dear Mr. Tam,

Thank you for trusting us with your question. Let’s start by understanding what purines are and the role of uric acid.

Purines are compounds found in organ meats, beef, and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. When consumed, purines are metabolized into uric acid. Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood and is excreted through urine. However, due to certain factors that increase production or decrease excretion, uric acid levels in the blood can rise, forming urate crystals that deposit in the skin, joints, and kidneys, leading to conditions like gout and kidney stones.

Uric acid levels play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating certain conditions. It is used to monitor uric acid levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy and to assess the risk of urate deposition in the kidneys and potential kidney failure.

1. What does a uric acid level of 480 mean?

Normally, uric acid levels are considered normal if they are below 420 micromol/L for men and below 360 micromol/L for women. Therefore, a blood uric acid level of 480 micromol/L is above the normal range and is considered high. In this case, actively managing and lowering uric acid levels is important to reduce the risk of diseases caused by elevated uric acid levels.

2. Has a uric acid level of 480 caused gout?

• At Level 3, uric acid levels range from 7.2 - 8.2 mg/dL (420 - 480 μmol/L).
• At Level 4, uric acid levels range from 8.2 - 10 mg/dL (480 - 580 μmol/L).

Thus, a uric acid level of 480, which is between Level 3 and 4, indicates that your family member has likely developed gout and may begin to experience acute gout symptoms.

As the condition progresses to Levels 5 and 6, where uric acid levels range from 10 - 12 mg/dL (580 - 700 μmol/L) and greater than 12 mg/dL (> 700 μmol/L), it is classified as chronic gout. At this point, it’s important to take precautions and manage the condition to prevent further complications.

3. What should you do if the blood uric acid level is 480? 

3. To lower a uric acid level of 480, adhering to treatment and making lifestyle changes is crucial. Here are some steps you can take:

Adjust your diet:

• Focus on healthy foods such as green vegetables and fruits, which provide fiber and essential nutrients.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water daily to aid in the elimination of uric acid from the body.
• Reduce cholesterol and fat intake to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and support gout management.
• Limit alcohol and beer consumption as they contain purines that can raise uric acid levels.
• Avoid carbonated and bottled soft drinks, especially those with fructose, a type of sugar that can increase uric acid levels.

Follow your medication:

• Take the prescribed medication in the correct dosage and for the full duration as directed by your doctor.

Maintain regular exercise:

• Engage in activities such as walking, yoga, or tai chi to stay healthy and reduce the risk of gout.

Regular check-ups and monitoring:

• Visit your doctor regularly to monitor uric acid levels and receive timely advice and treatment.

Thank you for sending your question. If you have any other concerns, feel free to contact us directly for timely support from the Dripcare medical team.