Poor diet: eating foods high in fat, or sugary sweets can increase risk for gout. Untreated hypertension, diabetes and heart conditions Obesity is also a great risk factor. Medications that are given to treat hypertension such as thiazides can increase risk for gout. Family history can also cause increased risk, as well as age and sex. Males are at ahigher risk for gout than females and develop it earlier on whereas females usually are at a higher risk after menopause.
