Abstract
Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients; therefore, management of serum uric acid (SUA) levels is important. We investigated the status of SUA levels in hypertensive patients. Subjects were 667 outpatients (359 women; mean age, 66.4±12.6 years) undergoing treatment for hypertension. On average, they took 2.3 antihypertensive drugs. Calcium-channel blockers (82.8%) and angiotensin-II receptor blockers (75.1%) were the predominantly prescribed agents, and thiazide and loop diuretics were given to 22.0% of patients. The mean SUA level was 5.6 mg/dL. Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA > 7mg/dL or the use of uric acid-lowering drugs, and was observed in 23.4% of subjects. Achievement of SUA ≤ 6mg/dL was observed in 63.1% of subjects. In total, 52.5% of patients taking ≥3 antihypertensive drugs took diuretics, and the prevalence of hyperuricemia in this group was 37.3%. Although 24.5% of patients taking diuretics also took uric acid-lowering drugs, achievement of SUA ≤ 6mg/dL was possible in only 51.0% of individuals. These results suggest that the control of SUA levels in hypertensive patients is insufficient, especially in those taking multiple antihypertensive drugs (including diuretics). Encouragement of lifestyle modification, the use an the appropriate class of antihypertensive drug, and pharmacological intervention to lower SUA levels are required to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients.
