INCIDENCE AND RISK PROFILE OF HYPERURICEMIA AMONG PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE

Background: Hyperuricemia is a frequently observed metabolic abnormality in patients with heart failure, particularly among those receiving long-term diuretic therapy. Elevated serum uric acid levels have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation in this patient population. Aim: To determine the incidence of hyperuricemia in patients with heart failure receiving diuretic therapy and to assess its association with demographic factors, diuretic classes, treatment duration, and selected clinical parameters. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted over a period of six months in the Department of Cardiology at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 130 patients with heart failure on diuretic therapy were enrolled based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, medication history, laboratory parameters, and echocardiographic findings were collected. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, with results expressed as frequencies, percentages, means, and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: The incidence of hyperuricemia among the study population was 53.1% (69/130). A higher proportion of cases was observed in males (63%) compared to females (37%). The age group of 61-70 years showed the highest incidence. Among diuretics, torsemide alone and torsemide combined with spironolactone were associated with a higher incidence of hyperuricemia, particularly with usage exceeding three months. A weak negative correlation was observed between serum uric acid levels and ejection fraction (r = −0.102), which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Hyperuricemia was common among patients with heart failure receiving diuretic therapy, particularly in older adults, males, and those on prolonged treatment. Routine monitoring of serum uric acid levels may be considered in this population to support optimal clinical management.