The Association Between Hypouricemia and Cardiometabolic Diseases Analyzing Nationwide Data From Medical Checkup and Health Insurance Records

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate the association between hypouricemia and cardiometabolic diseases, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and reduced kidney function, and to explore the sex-specific optimal range for serum uric acid (sUA) associated with the lowest risk for these diseases.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we identified individuals with sUA data between April 2018 and March 2019 and recorded the frequency of cardiometabolic comorbidities according to sUA. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for the overall population and after classifying by sex to assess the association between sUA and cardiometabolic comorbidities.ResultsAmong 796,508 individuals, a J-shaped association was observed between the sUA level and cardiometabolic diseases in the overall population. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and reduced renal function in individuals with sUA <= 1.0 mg/dL compared with those with sUA ranging between 2.1 and 3.0 mg/dL were 1.38 (1.13-1.69), 1.52 (1.30-1.78), and 2.17 (1.47-3.20), respectively. A J-shaped association between sUA and hypertension was observed only in women. The optimal range of sUA associated with the lowest risk for hypertension was assumed to be ConclusionsExcess and extremely low uric acid levels may be related to an increased cardiometabolic risk.

Automated summary

This study aims to evaluate the association between hypouricemia and cardiometabolic diseases, and explore the optimal range of serum uric acid (sUA) associated with the lowest risk for these diseases, considering the gender difference. The results showed a J-shaped association between sUA levels and cardiometabolic diseases, with excess and extremely low levels being associated with increased risk. The optimal range for the lowest risk of hypertension was assumed to be between 2.1 and 3.0 mg/dL for the overall population, while this association was only observed in women.