Which condition is characterized by an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood?

The condition characterized by an excessive amount of uric acid in the blood is gout. Gout occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or when the kidneys do not excrete enough of it. This buildup leads to the formation of urate crystals, which can deposit in joints, resulting in inflammation, severe pain, and swelling, especially in the big toe.

The relationship between uric acid and gout is well-established; elevated levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) can precipitate gout attacks. The management of this condition often includes medications that lower uric acid levels as well as lifestyle modifications to prevent future episodes and maintain normal uric acid levels.

Other conditions listed, while they may have connections to kidney function or metabolic processes, do not directly relate to an elevated level of uric acid in the same manner that gout does. For example, kidney stones may result from a variety of substances, including calcium or oxalate, but are not specifically defined by uric acid levels. Heart disease and hypertension are primarily related to cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation, rather than uric acid concentrations.