CreakyJoints discusses what gout patients should know to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic according to experts, including Theodore R. Fields, MD, FACP, rheumatologist at HSS.

Dr. Fields explained the risk factors that affect both gout and COVID-19 such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, and suggested to work on improving any comorbidities that can make COVID-19 more risky. “Obesity is more common in gout patients [as overweight people produce more uric acid, which is what accumulates in the joints and triggers inflammation] than in the general population. There is evidence that obesity is also a risk factor for having more complications of COVID-19,” said Dr. Fields. Heart disease is more common in people with gout, and it is also linked with increased complications of COVID-19, he added, noting, “Elevated uric acid [in gout] may also raise blood pressure.”

Dr. Fields advised to not stop taking gout medications and also recommended exercise, prioritizing sleep, manage stress, and to also quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.

Read the full article at Creakyjoints.org.