Gout Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know

Roughly 9.2 million people in the United States are affected by gout. Most diagnoses are among older adults and males.

On a global scale, gout cases continue to rise. In 2017, 92 in every 100,000 people were newly diagnosed with the condition. That amounts to a roughly 5.5% increase since 1990.

This article highlights important facts and statistics you should know about gout.

Gout Overview

Gout is a form of arthritis that develops when uric acid crystals build up in the body. Uric acid is a waste product. When too much of it is in the bloodstream, it forms crystals over time.

Gout is an arthritic condition that can cause inflammation in one or more joints, permanently damaging the affected joint. People with gout experience pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joints.

How Common Is Gout?

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the United States. The condition affects a large group of the American population. Roughly 9.2 million people in the United States have the disease, and cases have continued to rise since 1990.

While, in 2017 alone, 92 in every 100,000 people were newly diagnosed with the condition globally, the number is higher in the United States, at roughly 2,700 per 100,000 people. Rates vary based on age and sex.

Gout by Ethnicity

Gout does not affect people of all ethnicities equally. According to a 2021 report, the highest rates are among Asian American and Black American populations.

Gout by Age and Gender

Older adults and males are the most likely to be affected by gout. However, the condition can develop in early adulthood. Children and teenagers are extremely unlikely to develop gout.

Causes of Gout and Risk Factors

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. When levels build up, uric acid forms into crystals within the open spaces of joints, causing inflammation. Eating certain foods can lead to higher levels of uric acid because the digestion process to break down these foods creates more uric acid. Those foods include:

• Red meat
• Seafood
• Alcohol
• Sugary drinks

Other risk factors can include:

• Obesity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Medications that reduce water retention (diuretics)
• Mutations or changes to specific genes
• Metabolic syndrome

What Are the Mortality Rates for Gout?

Gout is not typically fatal. That said, gout can increase the risk of potentially life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular disease. People who have severe forms of gout and fail to treat it effectively are more likely to suffer from severe consequences of the disease.

One study found that the average seven-year survival rate for people with gout was around 85%. Of the remaining 15% with the condition, about 66% died from cardiovascular disease.

Other causes of death in people with gout in the study were from complications due to kidney disease, cancer, and infection. The average age of death for patients in the study was about 62 years old.

Screening and Early Detection

There are no specific screening or early detection tests for gout. If a person is concerned about their risk, they can have a blood test to see how high their uric acid levels are. Once symptoms develop, the healthcare provider will order tests to diagnose gout.

Ultrasound, which is an imaging test designed to look within the joints, can determine if a person has crystallization within the affected joints. This test is done so that healthcare providers can confirm a case of gout and begin treating it to lessen the risk for permanent joint damage.

Early diagnosis and treatment of gout are important for better health outcomes. When treatment begins, people are made aware of symptoms to watch for, what conditions they are more at risk for, and the steps they need to take to reduce their mortality risk due to a severe disease complication.  

Summary

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the United States. Roughly 9.2 million people are afflicted with the disease, with men diagnosed more often than women. Although people of all ethnicities can develop gout, it is more common among people of certain racial and ethnic groups than others.

Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid forms crystals in the joints that can cause damage. People with gout are at an increased risk of developing other chronic health conditions like cardiovascular disease and kidney disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment can lower the risk of complications. Treatment options for gout usually include medications, dietary changes, and regular exercise.