Effect of cardio-gastric interaction on atrial fibrillation in GERD patients

Abstract

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are very common in daily clinical practice. Post-prandial AF episodes have been reported in GERD patients. Although it was reported in previous studies that it was caused by sympathovagal imbalance, there are no studies on cardiac conduction system involvement. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether the risk of developing AF increases in untreated GERD patients with non-invasive electrophysiological tests. Methods: The research was prospectively performed. Endoscopy was performed on the individuals due to reflux complaints. ECG was recorded at 25mm/s and 10 mm/mV amplitude, and 24-hour Holter ECG (three-channel; V1, V2, and V5) was performed. ECG parameters were measured and Holter ECG results were analyzed. Results: A total of 120 individuals, 60 patients and 60 controls, were included. No significant statistically differences existed between groups for hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or dyslipidemia (p>0.05). In terms of heart rate, Pmax, Pmin, QTd, and QTcd, there were no significant differences across the two groups (p>0.05). P-wave dispersion (Pd) was substantially higher in the study group (p=0.014). Comparing the heart rate variabilities of 24-hour Holter ECG recordings across the groups, the standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) was substantially higher in the study group (p<0.001). Low Frequency (LF) and LF/HF were significantly higher in the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). AF was detected in nine individuals on Holter ECG. Conclusion: Pd duration and risk of developing AF were higher in GERD patients.