Uncontrolled gout can be very harmful to the body and can damage the joints, kidneys and can be a cardiovascular risk factor. Gout is a metabolic disease, one of the four major metabolic diseases along with hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, and is a risk factor for cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease and stroke. Gout can damage joints and cause recurrent joint swelling and pain. If not controlled for a long time, uric acid crystals can be deposited on the joint surface and damage the joints, which can lead to joint deformity over time. Gout can also damage the kidneys and cause uric acid nephropathy, which can affect kidney function in severe cases. Gout patients can form stones in the urinary tract, which can cause kidney colic.