Elevated blood levels of uric acid are present in about 21% of Americans.1 People frequently associate high uric acid levels with gout, yet many symptom-free individuals have elevated uric acid for years before getting their first gout attack.2 Gout is not the only manifestation of elevated uric acid blood levels. When uric acid levels are higher than optimal, there’s also an increased risk of coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and early mortality.3-6 Excess uric acid can be caused by aging, adverse lifestyle habits, hypertension, diabetes, kidney problems, and ob..