Anyone who gets acid reflux issued warning over links to life-threatening health risk
Britt Jones
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Those who suffer from acid reflux need to be aware of a new associated risk for a deadly health event.
According to RefluxUK, around 20 percent of the British population suffers from chronic acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
This digestive issue occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the oesophagus, the tube linking the throat to the stomach.
This can cause symptoms such as chest pain and sternum pain, heartburn, sore throat and problems with swallowing.
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With almost 1.5 million people having to use long-term medication for it, the risk of GERD can cause many other illnesses.
Because it can cause permanent damage to the oesophagus and the respiratory tract if untreated or unmanaged, things like Barrett's oesophagus or oesophagus cancer can occur.
However, a new study has now linked GERD to a fatal heart issue.
Scientists in Philadelphia looked at the medical data of more than 1.3 million patients across six studies to find out whether GERD could put people at risk of a heart attack.
Sadly, they found that patients with GERD had a 27 percent higher risk of having a heart attack than those who don’t suffer from the disease.
They believe that the reason for this is that chronic inflammation and nervous system failure causes people with GERD to be at risk.
Studies have previously linked GERD to having a similar heart attack risk as chronic heart disease.
Dr Tinsae Anebo, the study’s lead author, shared, as per the Daily Mail: "These findings highlight the need for further research into preventive strategies and targeted interventions, such as acid suppression therapy and lifestyle modifications, to mitigate cardiovascular risk in GERD patients."
According to the NHS, treatments for GERD include things like steering clear of trigger foods (fatty or spicy), eating smaller, more frequent meals, losing weight, and sleeping with your top half elevated to stop acid from flowing into your throat as you sleep.
You can also take medications like over the counter antacids, which work to neutralise stomach acid, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which stop the production of acid so your oesophagus can heal.
If that doesn’t work, there are multiple surgical options to tighten the bottom of the oesophagus so that less acid can flow back.
But long-term use of PPIs can also lead to risks to your health, such as heart disease, gastric cancers, dementia or kidney problems.
If you have symptoms of GERD, check in with your GP to find a suitable treatment plan.