Atrial fibrillation and gastrooesophageal reflux disease: association mechanisms, treatment approaches

Abstract

The article is devoted to assessing the relationship of atrial fibrillation (AF) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). We studied possible anatomical correlations, common risk factors and mechanisms of AF development in patients with gastroesophageal reflux. We demonstrated the problems of the treatment of such patients, since a number of studies have proved the possibility of using proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of AF. In other cases the arrhythmogenic effect of these drugs was obtained. Treatment of AF by catheter ablation most commonly worsens the course of GORD and can lead to the development of fatal complications. Large-scale prospective researches are needed for further detailed study of AF and GERD associations, as well as tactics for management of these patients.

Keywords

• gastroesophageal reflux disease
• proton pump inhibitors
• radiofrequency ablation
• atrial fibrillation