More Americans Have Gout

Gout, once called the “disease of kings,” is becoming more common. It is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints. About 4 of every 100 Americans now has gout, according to a new study. That’s about 8.3 million people. Gout results from a buildup of uric acid in the blood. Research has linked gout with metabolic syndrome, a group of symptoms that includes obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The study was published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism. HealthDay News wrote about it July 28.