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Uric Acid
Levels Predict Death in Middle-aged Men
(NY, Reuters Health, 7/29/04)
Dr. Leo K. Niskanen of Kuopio University in Finland, and
team, tracked 1423 healthy, middle-aged Finnish men for about
12 years. The investigators found that the subjects whose
blood contained the highest levels of uric acid were much more
prone to develop cardiovascular disease, as well as to die
from various causes, than participants who tested lowest for
this substance. Until now, uric acid has been associated
primarily with gout; however, scientists are beginning to
recognize that it is a possible "’danger signal’ released by
damaged cells” and, therefore, may have greater implications
in assessing a person’s health.’
(Archives of Internal Medicine, July
26, 2004. ) |
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