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Association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Lu Xu1, Yu Zhang1, Jiarong Xie1

  • 1Ningbo University Medical School, China.

Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|October 17, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to a higher risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This meta-analysis confirms that AF increases the likelihood of developing GERD, offering clarity on this association.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains unclear, with conflicting findings in existing literature.
  • Some studies suggest AF as a risk factor for GERD, while others indicate the reverse association.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the bidirectional association between GERD and AF using a meta-analysis.
  • To clarify the etiological relationship between these two prevalent conditions.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of longitudinal, case-control, and cross-sectional studies was performed.
  • Literature search included Cochrane CENTRAL, PubMed, and EMBASE databases up to February 2017.
  • Seven studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis.

Main Results:

  • The meta-analysis found a summary adjusted relative risk (RR) of 1.54 (95% CI, 1.08-2.17) for AF-induced GERD.
  • The RR for GERD-induced AF was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.86-1.31), indicating no significant association in this direction.
  • Subgroup analyses revealed no significant modification of the association by sample size, study design, age, or geographic area.

Conclusions:

  • This meta-analysis provides evidence supporting a significant association between atrial fibrillation and an increased risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease.
  • The findings suggest that AF may be a contributing factor to the development of GERD.
Abstract

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