Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Both gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are prevalent and on the rise and they might be connected by central obesity. There is limited local data.

Objective: The aim of the study was to find out the correlation between MetS and GERD symptoms in adults.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology and Medicine, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan from July 2022 to December 2022. Adults (age 18 years or older) were enrolled consecutively (n = 315). We measured BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipid levels. MetS was diagnosed according to the harmonized criteria and GERD symptoms as a GerdQ score of 8 or more. We used chi-square tests and logistic regression, with p < 0.05 as significant.

Results: Of 330 participants (mean age 43.6 ± 11.7 years; 44.2% male), 33.9% had MetS and 35.2% had GERD symptoms. GERD symptoms were more frequent with MetS than without (47.3% vs 28.9%; crude OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.38–3.55; p < 0.001); the OR adjusted for age, sex and smoking was 2.22 (95% CI 1.35–3.63). Of the components, only elevated blood pressure was significantly associated with GERD symptoms (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.16–2.98). Three or more symptoms of GERD were most common (trend p = 0.018).

Conclusions: GERD symptoms were twice as likely in those with MetS. If a patient has symptoms for GERD, they may need to be checked for metabolic abnormalities, especially hypertension.

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal obesity, waist circumference, cross sectional studies, Pakistan.