Gout Pal Interactive

Previous discussion on high blood pressure treatment on gout focussed on ACE inhibitors as a better alternative to diuretics.

Whilst ACE inhibitors seem preferable to diuretics, it seems they are not the best solution for those prone to gout.

In “The effect of ACE inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor antagonist therapy on serum uric acid levels and potassium homeostasis in hypertensive renal transplant recipients treated with CsA”, Schmidt and colleagues found a slight rise in uric acid after administration of enalapril, an ACE inhibitor. They compared that with losartan, which has several mentions around here (type losartan in the search box above or at the foot of every page).

Their results show that, after 3 weeks of treatment, the losartan subjects average uric acid level reduced from 7.8 to 7.3, whereas the enalapril subjects increased from 7.8 to 8.2.

This isn't a perfect example, as it studies kidney transplant patients. If anyone has more information, I'd love to read it.

In the meantime, Roy, I suggest you, your son and your nephew have a word with your doctors about changing the blood pressure meds.