Study links GERD with heart attacks, high blood pressure

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux, may be correlated with adverse cardiovascular effects.

In a study published in the Journal of Translational Internal Medicine, investigators examined the causal associations between genetically predicted GERD and cardiovascular factors among more than 600,000 participants.

The investigators found that the patients with GERD were more likely to experience increases in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides. Further, GERD was linked to a higher risk of myocardial infarction and hypertension.

The condition did not impact total cholesterol levels, pulse pressure or the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

The findings suggested a potential causal relationship between GERD and certain adverse cardiovascular effects; however, further research is needed to better understand the findings.

Read more: Journal of Translational Internal Medicine

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