Uric Acid and Kidney Health: 5 Crucial Tests to Prevent Kidney Failure

• Uric acid, a waste product from purine digestion, can lead to serious health issues like joint pain (gout) and kidney damage if levels become too high.
• Normal uric acid levels are 3.4-7 mg/dL for men and 2.5-6 mg/dL for women; levels above this require caution.
• High uric acid forms crystals that can accumulate in joints, causing gout, or in kidneys, leading to kidney stones and impaired kidney function.
• Diagnosis involves serum uric acid tests, imaging for kidney stones, 24-hour urine tests, Kidney Function Tests (KFT), and joint fluid analysis.
• Prevention includes drinking plenty of water, controlling diet (limiting red meat, seafood, alcohol), maintaining a healthy weight, and regular check-ups, especially for those with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Why It Matters: High uric acid can severely impact joints and kidneys; timely testing and lifestyle changes are crucial for prevention.