Serum Uric Acid in Normal and Hypertensive Australian Subjects:From a Continuing Epidemiological Survey on Hypertension Commenced in 1955.

Summary: Hyperuricaemia, defined in relation to serum uric acid (SUA) levels in normal Australian subjects, was found in 48% of 149 hypertensive patients attending the Cardio-Vascular Clinic, Sydney Hospital. Among untreated patients the prevalence was 31%. SUA levels were highest in subjects with renal hypertension and chronic renal failure. Treatment with adrenergic blocking drugs was associated with higher levels of SUA. A correlation between hypertension, hyperuricaemia and hypercholesterolaemia was investigated. Factors influencing SUA levels were analysed and the findings subjected to statistical analysis. SUA levels in normal subjects are higher in the Australian population than in reported overseas series.