Inverse association between gastroesophageal reflux and blood pressure: results of a large community based study.
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.
Murray
Liam J
LJ
Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, Bolton, UK. l.murray@qub.ac.uk
McCarron
Peter
P
McCorry
Roger B
RB
Anderson
Lesley A
LA
Lane
Athene J
AJ
Johnston
Brian T
BT
Smith
George Davey
GD
Harvey
Richard F
RF
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