Research article

Inverse association between gastroesophageal reflux and blood pressure: Results of a large community based study

Liam J Murray^{* 1} , Peter McCarron^{* 1} , Roger B McCorry² , Lesley A Anderson^{* 1} , Athene J Lane^{* 3} , Brian T Johnston^{* 4} , George Davey Smith^{* 3} and Richard F Harvey^{* 5}

¹Northern Ireland Cancer Registry, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, The Queens University of Belfast, Belfast, UK

²Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, Bolton, UK

³Department of Social Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

⁴Royal Hospitals Trust, Belfast, UK

⁵Frenchay Hospital, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK

author email corresponding author email* Contributed equally

BMC Gastroenterology 2008, 8:10doi:10.1186/1471-230X-8-10

Published:	15 April 2008

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.

Conclusion

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