Rheumatic diseases are a group of conditions including arthritis and various other conditions that can lead to chronic inflammation within the musculoskeletal system, which can have negative effects on soft tissues, bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissue. One form of arthritis is gout, which is an inflammatory condition in which urate acid crystals build up in joints. Gout is associated with joint swelling, pain, redness, and joint mobility issues. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent joint degradation and other adverse complications. The condition has been shown to increase the incidence of diseases outside the musculoskeletal system, including the renal and cardiovascular systems. Comorbid conditions associated with gout include but are not limited to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and heart failure. This systematic review aims to provide insight into the relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, uric acid levels, and gout.

Several landmark studies found a relationship between elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, the association between hyperuricemia and hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart failure (HF) is currently well-established. While the mechanism linking hyperuricemia and CVD is not fully known, a systemic inflammatory response by the host is believed to play a role. With the goal of decreasing the morbidity and mortality of CVD in patients with hyperuricemia, the focus has now turned to properly optimizing a medication regimen for this patient population. Recent studies have shown that controlling underlying inflammation can, in fact, lead to better cardiovascular outcomes for populations with acute and chronic coronary disease. In this paper, we will discuss the current state of understanding on the association of hyperuricemia and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, we will look into the most recent clinical trials showing the effects anti-inflammatory medications have on both decreasing and recovering from cardiovascular events. We will conclude with a discussion on, given the information mentioned above, how to properly optimize a medication regimen in patients with elevated SUA levels with a focus on decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with CVD.