What is gout – and what are the early warning signs to look out for

During an attack of gout, the affected joint becomes very painful, tender, red, hot and swollen (Alamy/PA) -

New research indicates that a drug commonly prescribed for gout may also lower the risk of heart attack and stroke when taken at an appropriate dose.

Researchers from the UK, Sweden and Italy analysed data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum, linked with hospital admissions and mortality records, covering the period from January 2007 to March 2021.