According to researchers at Jefferson Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more prone to myocardial infarction. The results of the research were published in the journal JGH Open.
GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach contents periodically back up into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn, acid reflux, and chest pain, especially after eating or when lying down.
American scientists conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of six studies involving more than 1.3 million people to determine whether GERD affects the risk of cardiovascular complications. The analysis showed that people with GERD are 27% more likely to develop an acute myocardial infarction than those who do not have this disease.
According to the researchers, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and autonomic nervous system dysfunction may explain why chronic esophageal irritation is associated with increased cardiac workload.
Scientists have noted that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls the function of internal organs. It sends nerve impulses that ensure the smooth functioning of the whole body. It also regulates motility (movement of the stomach walls), gastric juice secretion, and the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve between the stomach and esophagus that must remain closed to prevent acid reflux.
An imbalance in the ANS disrupts this control. With increased sympathetic tone (stress, anxiety, chronic tension), the SSS may relax more often than necessary, and esophageal peristalsis may slow down. This contributes to acid reflux.
"Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of this association and to develop ways to reduce risk," the authors note.
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