Etymed
hyperuricemia
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood
Clinical context
A 45-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe pain in his right first metatarsophalangeal joint. The joint is erythematous, swollen, and extremely tender to movement. He has no known medical history but admits to frequent consumption of red meat and alcohol. Laboratory studies reveal a serum uric acid level of 9.2 mg/dL. He is diagnosed with acute gout secondary to hyperuricemia.
Mnemonic
HIGH uric acid = GOUT and KIDNEY stones