hank had gout--you usually don't die from it.
its considered nowdays to be a form of arthritis--and it is largely treated by modifying food intake. Its painful, and can cause joint damage, (which results in limited mobility, which can cause other problems..)
Hank was in his late fifties, overweight, with gout, and other health problems, (some related to his obesity) and its not clear what he died of. i think he died of dyspepsia--but the symptoms of 'dyspepsia' (a vague term for upset stomache/heartburn) can also be the symptoms of a heart attack, or of bleeding ulcer.
-he also had dropsy--(swelling from retained fluid) an other symptom of poor cardio-vascular health--fluid retention is a common symptom of cardio/pulminary failure('congestive heart failure")and can lead to high blood presure.. and so on.
so take your pick!
