Although gout can occur in men and women of any age, it most often occurs in men over age 40. Gout usually does not affect women until after menopause.

Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of gout include:

• Being overweight
• Eating a diet that includes foods high in purines. For a list of foods, see Reducing your Risk of Gout.
• Fasting or crash dieting
• Drinking alcohol (especially in excess)
• Drinking high-fructose beverages, like sugar-sweetened sodas and orange juice

There appears to be a genetic component to gout. Six percent to eighteen percent of people who have gout have relatives who also have gout. In a small number of people, the risk of gout is increased by an enzyme defect that interferes with the way the body breaks down purines.

Serious illness, such as heart attack or stroke, can trigger a gout attack. Other illnesses that may increase the risk for developing gout include:

• High blood pressure
• Vascular disease
• Diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Certain types of anemia
• Following surgical procedures

Certain medications and vitamins can increase the risk of gout. These include:

• Diuretics
• Salicylates and medicines made from salicylic acid (such as aspirin )
• Caffeine, including medicines containing caffeine
• Levodopa (used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease)
• Aminophylline
• Withdrawal of corticosteroid medications
• Cyclosporine (used to help control rejection of transplanted organs)
• Niacin (a vitamin)

In addition, surgery, trauma, and cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy may also increase your risk of developing gout.