Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Associated with Increased Hypertension Risk

A recent study uncovered a significant association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and essential hypertension highlighting a potential causal link that may transform the existing understanding of cardiovascular health. The key findings were published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.

The study was conducted by Ning Wei and team utilized bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the intricate relationship between these two prevalent health conditions. This research employed a meticulous approach in selecting the eligible single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to perform a bidirectional MR analysis. Weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW) and MR-Egger regression were applied to explore the potential cause for association between GERD and hypertension. The study also incorporated the MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier analysis to detect and address the horizontal pleiotropy for a genetic variant influences multiple traits.

The results from the IVW analysis demonstrated an increased risk of hypertension in individuals with GERD (OR = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.33-1.59, P = 2.14E-16). The replication practice further supported this finding (OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 1.0008-1.003, P = 0.000498). The analysis also pointed to an increased risk of systolic blood pressure and hypertensive heart disease in the GERD patients. The study also revealed a reduced risk of Barrett's esophagus in individuals with essential hypertension and these findings challenge conventional knowledge and provide a precise perspective on the complex interplay between GERD and essential hypertension.

By understanding the interconnection between these conditions, the healthcare professionals may develop targeted strategies to reduce the risk of hypertension in GERD patients and potentially revolutionizing the cardiovascular healthcare. Future investigations and potential breakthroughs in the management of essential hypertension could offer hope for novel preventive approaches and therapeutic perspectives that could positively impact the global cardiovascular health.

Source:

Wei, N., Liu, M.-H., & Song, Y.-H. (2024). Causal associations between gastroesophageal reflux disease and essential hypertension: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study. World Journal of Clinical Cases, 12(5), 880–890. https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v12.i5.880