Can Gout Kill You?

Myth: Gout is painful, but it won't kill you. Truth: Gout can't kill you directly, but it can cause serious health problems that may eventually kill you, says Robert Keenan, M.D., assistant professor of medicine at Duke University.

How long can you live with gout?

It's characterized by sudden and severe pain in the joints. It usually affects the joint at the base of the big toe, but can also affect the joints of the fingers, elbows, wrists, or knees. An episode of gout usually lasts for about 3 days with treatment and up to 14 days without treatment.

Can gout cause sudden death?

“Many studies have found that [high uric acid] is associated with increased risk for coronary artery disease, heart failure, and sudden death,” the authors wrote.