Hyperuricemia and Associated Factors in Adult Cardiac Patients in Western Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Individuals who have hyperuricemia are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases due to factors such as endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and increased production of oxygen-free radicals. However, data on the prevalence and predictors of hyperuricemia among adults with cardiac diseases in Ethiopia are limited.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 269 participants at the Ambo University referral hospital from June to September, 2022. Participant demographics and relevant data were obtained through convenient sampling. Hyperuricemia was defined according to the manufacturer's cutoff criteria. Data entry and analysis were conducted using SPSS 25. The association between the outcome and explanatory variables was assessed using a binary logistic regression model.

Results: Of the study participants, 56.9% were male. The mean age of participants was 51.1 years (±15.8). The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 43.1% (95% CI: 37.1-49.1). Males presented a significantly higher prevalence of hyperuricemia compared to females (23.4% vs 19.7%, P = .026). Males had 2.9 times higher odds of hyperuricemia compared to females. Significant associations with the prevalence of hyperuricemia were found for individuals with a BMI ⩾30 kg/m², age ⩾54 years, and male gender, with adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) of 2.3 (1.7-5.2), 2.9 (2.2-5.9), and 3.56 (2.1-12.8), respectively. Additionally, smoking, dyslipidemia, and waist circumference were also significantly associated with the prevalence of hyperuricemia.

Conclusions: Nearly half of the cardiac patients in the study were diagnosed with hyperuricemia. These findings underscores the importance of early identification and treatment of hyperuricemia, alongside lifestyle and behavioral modifications, to maintain the quality of life in this specific population.

Keywords: Ambo; Ethiopia; Hyperuricemia; cardiovascular diseases.

Figure 1.

Pattern of hyperuricemia in adult cardiac disease patients.