What medication class can promote a gout attack in patients with heart failure?

Diuretics are a medication class that can promote a gout attack in patients with heart failure due to their effect on uric acid levels in the body. When diuretics are used, they can cause dehydration and lead to volume depletion, which in turn increases the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys. Elevated levels of uric acid can precipitate gout attacks, characterized by sudden and severe pain in the joints, particularly in the big toe.

In patients with heart failure, diuretics such as loop diuretics and thiazides are commonly prescribed to manage fluid overload. While they are effective in reducing edema and pulmonary congestion, their impact on uric acid metabolism is a significant concern for patients predisposed to gout. Understanding this association is critical for managing heart failure patients, particularly when they have a history of hyperuricemia or gout.