A new study has found that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Conducted by researchers at Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine in China, the study, published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, used a genetic analysis technique known as Mendelian randomization to investigate the possible causal link between these two conditions.
GERD, commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potential long-term damage.
Hypertension, meanwhile, is a common condition where blood pressure remains consistently high, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Given that both conditions are relatively common, understanding whether they might influence each other is valuable for preventive care.
The researchers used genetic data to study the relationship between GERD and hypertension. By examining 16 specific genetic markers, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), that are strongly linked to GERD, they were able to observe how GERD might affect the likelihood of developing high blood pressure.
Their analysis found that GERD was indeed associated with a higher risk of hypertension, with an odds ratio of 1.057. This means that people with GERD were slightly more likely to develop high blood pressure than those without GERD.
Even after using different statistical methods to confirm their findings, the association remained consistent, which suggests a stable relationship between the two conditions.
Although the study didn’t identify the specific biological mechanisms linking GERD to hypertension, the researchers believe this link offers a new perspective on risk factors for high blood pressure.
They suggest that identifying and managing GERD early could be important for people at risk of hypertension.
This finding highlights the importance of addressing GERD symptoms promptly, as treating GERD may help prevent the development of high blood pressure.
The researchers hope this study will inspire further investigations into how managing GERD could improve cardiovascular health and reduce hypertension risk.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
The research findings can be found in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine.
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