title: Inverse association between gastroesophageal reflux and blood pressure: results of a large community based study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In a cross-sectional community based study, as part of a randomised controlled trial of eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, the association between blood pressure and symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux was examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Linear regression was used to examine the association between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and the frequency of heartburn and acid regurgitation in 4,902 of 10,537 participants aged 20-59 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In multivariable analyses, adjusted mean systolic blood pressure was 4.2 (95% confidence interval 1.5 to 7.0) mm Hg lower in participants with daily acid regurgitation compared to those with less frequent symptoms. Similarly, for diastolic blood pressure, a reduction of 2.1 (0.0 to 4.3) mm Hg wasobserved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  People who experience daily symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux have lower blood pressure than people with less frequent or no symptoms. It is possible that factors influencing nitric oxide concentrations both at the lower oesophageal sphincter and within the vasculature may be involved. This hypothesis requires confirmation. TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN44816925.
authors.affiliation: Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, Bolton, UK. l.murray@qub.ac.uk
authors.forename: Liam J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McCarron
authors.forename: Roger B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: McCorry
authors.forename: Lesley A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Athene J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.forename: Brian T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: George Davey
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Richard F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Harvey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006356:Heartburn / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007022:Hypotension / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015994:Incidence; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment