Evaluation of metabolic syndrome components in patients with GERD

Abstract

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with a prevalence of 10–30% worldwide, is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 30–50% of cases. The components of MetS - obesity, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia - aggravate the symptoms by increasing intra-abdominal pressure and impairing esophageal motility. Objective(s). Assessing the prevalence of MetS components in patients with GERD to identify the main component on which targeted intervention can contribute to improving their quality of life. Materials and methods. The study included 61 patients from the Internal MedicineSemiology Clinic, aged >45 years, diagnosed with GERD in 2023-2025. The following components of MetS were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, total cholesterol (total-C), triglycerides (TG), and blood pressure (BP) values in order to determine their prevalence. Results. The results indicate the association of GERD with multiple components of MetS. The patients' BMI ranged from 18.8 to 40.1 kg/m² with a high frequency of grade I obesity (30.0- 34.9) in 56.0% of the patients. Hypercholesterolemia (>5.2 mmol/l) was present in 42.2%, and hypertriglyceridemia (>1.7 mmol/l) in 31.1%. Blood glucose levels fluctuated between 4.4 and 15 mmol/l, and hyperglycemia (>5.5 mmol/l) was recorded in 24.4% of the cases. BP in the range of 120-139/80-89 mmHg was reported in 62.31% of patients, and grade I, II and III hypertension in 19.67%, 16.39% and 1.63% respectively, with the predominance of grade I form. Conclusion(s). Obesity was the most common component of MetS in patients with GERD, followed by elevated total-C and TG values, then hyperglycemia and elevated BP values. Body weight is the main component for intervention in order to reduce symptom severity and improving quality of life.