Is a uric acid level of 600 high or low? Is it dangerous?

Hello Quang,

Uric acid is a byproduct of protein metabolism from many foods, such as animal organs, beef, and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. The uric acid level is one factor that helps doctors diagnose gout in a patient. The uric acid level in the blood, along with other clinical features, will give a clear picture of the disease's severity and help determine its stage.

So, is your uric acid level of 600 μmol/l high or low?

Generally, normal serum uric acid levels are as follows in many countries:

• 205 - 420 μmol/l (3.5 - 7.2 mg/dL) in adult men and postmenopausal women
• 152 - 360 μmol/l (2.6 - 6.0 mg/dL) in premenopausal women.

However, the definition of the normal range of serum uric acid in the general population needs to be reconsidered carefully. According to new scientific knowledge about the pathophysiological role of uric acid in humans, a threshold value of < 360 µmol/L indicates truly healthy individuals and should be considered as a target for all individuals, helping to reduce the risk of gout.

Therefore, your uric acid level of 600 μmol/l is considered HIGH and requires attention.

Does a uric acid level of 600 mean you already have gout?

Acute gout attacks typically occur between the ages of 35 and 55 and rarely before age 25 or after age 65. In women, gout rarely occurs before menopause, while in men, the younger they develop gout, the more severe it tends to be. You are a 35-year-old man, which puts you in a risk group for gout. However, you did not mention any signs of the disease in your question.

A uric acid level above 420 μmol/l is considered a risk indicator, but around 40% of patients with acute gout attacks have normal blood uric acid levels. A uric acid level above 600 μmol/l indicates hyperuricemia (high uric acid in the blood).

However, to confirm whether you have gout, you should consult a doctor for a detailed evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, current medications, and additional tests to accurately determine if you have gout:

• 24-hour urinary uric acid measurement
• Joint fluid analysis
• Other tests, such as increased ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP (C-reactive protein), and X-ray imaging of the joints.

What factors lead to increased uric acid levels in the blood?

Some causes of elevated uric acid, even above 600 μmol/l, include:

• Genetic factors: Rare, due to metabolic issues that increase uric acid levels, such as congenital purine metabolism problems—Lesch-Nyhan syndrome caused by a defect in the HPRT1 gene, which leads to elevated uric acid. This is one cause of gout, as well as kidney, bladder, or neurological damage.
• Increased purine metabolism: Elevated uric acid levels can occur in individuals with rapidly growing tumors, such as lymphoma, metastatic cancer, or leukemia. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy may also experience high uric acid levels due to tumor lysis syndrome.
• Reduced uric acid excretion: This mainly occurs in individuals with chronic kidney disease, as the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the body over time. When the kidneys malfunction, uric acid is not removed, leading to high blood uric acid levels.
• Unhealthy diet: A diet high in purine-rich foods, such as animal organs, red meat, and alcohol, can cause elevated uric acid levels.

Thus, your uric acid level of 600 μmol/l is considered HIGH, and you should undergo a more detailed examination with a doctor to determine whether you have gout and explore appropriate interventions. You may also want to review the factors that contribute to elevated uric acid levels to take proactive care of your health.

Thank you for your question. If you have any further concerns, please contact us directly for timely assistance from the Dripcare team of doctors and specialists.