Genetically predicted gastroesophageal reflux disease may significantly increase the risk of myocardial infarction and hypertension.

In a recent Mendelian randomization study, published in the Journal of Translational Internal Medicine, researchers identified potential causal associations between genetically predicted gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and specific cardiovascular factors, including blood pressure components and lipid profiles. The study utilized genetic data from over 600,000 participants to investigate these associations while mitigating confounding factors.

Genetically predicted GERD was associated with significant increases in systolic blood pressure (β = 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (β = 0.100), and mean arterial pressure (β = 0.106). Investigators also found significant associations with lipid profiles alterations, including higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (β = 0.09) and triglycerides (β = 0.153), alongside reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (β = -0.115). However, no statistically significant association was observed with pulse pressure or total cholesterol.

The study further identified links between genetically predicted GERD and an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.272) and hypertension (OR = 1.357). Mediation analyses indicated that hypertension (35.09%), LDL cholesterol (19.99%), and HDL cholesterol (11.71%) partially mediated GERD’s effect on MI risk. No associations were found between genetically predicted GERD and heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or pulse pressure.

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.