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By Mayo Clinic staffHigh uric acid levels can be caused by either excess production of uric acid in the body or by decreased excretion of uric acid in the urine. Specifically, factors that may cause high uric acid concentration in your blood include:
- Drugs sometimes used to treat high blood pressure, such as low-dose aspirin and diuretics
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive caffeine consumption
- Family tendency (genetics)
- Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Leukemia
- Niacin, or vitamin B-3
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Obesity
- Psoriasis
- Purine-rich diet — organ meat, game meat, anchovies, herring, gravy, dried beans, dried peas and other foods
- Some immune-suppressing drugs
Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.