Who is at risk for gout?

Anyone can get gout, but it is more common in men than in women. It is also more common in adults than in children. Women who develop gout usually show signs and symptoms after menopause. There are other factors that may increase your risk of gout.

You are more likely to get gout if you:

• Are an adult male between 30–50 years old
• Are overweight
• Drink alcohol
• Eat a lot of foods rich in purines (especially meats and seafood)
• Have a family history of gout
• Have had an organ transplant
• Have been exposed to lead
• Are Asian Pacific Islander or African American

Some health conditions put you at greater risk for gout. Among these are:

• Kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Psoriasis
• Hemolytic anemia
• Some cancers
• Some rare genetic disorders

Some medicines increase your risk for gout, including:

• Diuretics (water pills)
• Beta blockers
• Drugs with salicylate
• Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid
• Cyclosporine
• Levodopa

Talk to your doctor about how to prevent gout if you have any of the characteristics that put you at risk.

Content courtesy of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), who has more information on gout on their website. 

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