Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalances and heart attacks, according to new research.
A study published in the Journal of Translational Internal Medicine reveals insights into how GERD could directly influence key factors related to heart health.
The study found that individuals with GERD markers were more likely to have elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, higher levels of LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced HDL (‘good’) cholesterol.
These changes were associated with a 27 per cent higher risk of heart attack and a 36 per cent increased likelihood of developing hypertension. However, no significant connections were found between GERD and other heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure.
The study
Using Mendelian randomisation – a genetic analysis method designed to uncover causal relationships – the researchers were able to link GERD to cardiovascular changes while controlling for confounding factors like age, weight, or lifestyle. The analysis revealed that GERD’s effects on blood pressure and cholesterol are key pathways to its cardiovascular risks.
Hypertension emerged as a major mediator, accounting for 35 per cent of GERD’s impact on heart attack risk. Cholesterol also played a significant role, with increased LDL cholesterol and reduced HDL cholesterol amplifying the risk.
Interestingly, the researchers found that GERD’s effects do not flow in the opposite direction – cardiovascular conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol do not appear to increase the risk of GERD.
These findings suggest that managing GERD could do more than relieve digestive discomfort; it may also reduce the likelihood of developing serious cardiovascular conditions.
What’s next
Although GERD is typically regarded as a digestive disorder, these findings suggest its effects may extend well beyond the oesophagus.
Managing GERD symptoms with lifestyle changes or medication, along with regular checks on heart health, could reduce these broader risks.
If you’re looking for an easy way to confirm whether reflux might be a concern, Peptest offers a simple, non-invasive saliva test that detects pepsin – a key indicator of reflux.
Peptest detects pepsin — the stomach enzyme that marks reflux — in a saliva sample. Collected at home, analysed in our UK laboratory, results back within 48 hours.
- Results in 48 hours
- No GP referral needed
- UK laboratory
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