Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Acute Gouty Arthritis - Gout
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Gout is a form of arthritis, or joint inflammation, that is caused by increased uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is a chemical produced by the normal breakdown of cells.
What is going on in the body?
Gout results from an excess of uric acid in the body. The excess uric acid is deposited in 1 or more joints, causing arthritis.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Gout is caused by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid accumulates in the body and may form crystals in the joints under the following conditions:
Certain risk factors increase a person's chance of developing gout or having a flare-up of symptoms once he or she has the disease. These factors include the following:
Gout occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 people. It is more common in men, although women are at increased risk after menopause, the end of normal menstruation.