What does a uric acid level of 540 mean? What should I do with a uric acid level of 540?

Hello Ms. Lan,

Thank you for trusting us with your question. First, let’s explain why uric acid is present in the body:

Uric acid is a natural compound created in the body through the breakdown of purines, a type of compound found in certain foods we consume daily. Red meat, seafood, organ meats, as well as alcohol and beer, are common sources of purines.

The body eliminates uric acid through filtration by the kidneys and through urine. However, when the body takes in an excessive amount of purines or has difficulty eliminating it, the result is a high uric acid level, known as hyperuricemia.

1. What does a uric acid level of 540 mean?

Typically, uric acid levels in the blood 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 540 micromol/L means that it has exceeded the normal range and is considered high. In this case, actively managing and lowering uric acid levels is necessary to reduce the risk of health conditions related to elevated uric acid levels.

2. At what level of uric acid does one have gout?

At levels of 3 & 4, uric acid in the blood ranges from 7.2-8.2 mg/dL (420-480 μmol/L) and 8.2-10 mg/dL (480-580 μmol/L). At this point, patients may begin to experience signs of acute gout.
At levels 5 & 6, uric acid levels are between 10-12 mg/dL (580-700 μmol/L) and greater than 12 mg/dL (> 700 μmol/L), indicating chronic gout. Tophi (nodular masses) may also appear under the skin.

3. What should you do if your uric acid level is 540? Tips for lowering uric acid levels

If your blood test shows a uric acid level of 540, which exceeds the normal range, your doctor will prescribe appropriate medication based on your health condition. To lower uric acid levels, consider the following lifestyle adjustments:

Diet management:

• Reduce protein intake by limiting purine-rich foods like seafood, red meats (buffalo, beef, goat), and organ meats.
• Avoid acidic foods such as fermented meat, pickled onions, sour fruits, and sour soups as they may increase the risk of kidney stones.
• Increase fiber intake from foods like artichokes, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, and cucumbers to reduce protein absorption and prevent uric acid formation.

Caution with beverages:

• Limit alcohol consumption and other alcoholic beverages as they can raise uric acid levels.
• Drink 2-3 liters of water daily. Those without heart conditions can opt for alkaline mineral water, such as soda water, to alkalinize urine and enhance uric acid excretion.

Regular exercise:

• Maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity. Being overweight increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, while rapid weight loss can raise uric acid levels. Plan for healthy weight loss through balanced exercise and a scientific diet.

Follow your doctor's instructions:

• Follow your doctor’s prescribed treatments.
• Schedule regular follow-ups or contact your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms to keep uric acid levels at a healthy range.

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