Contribution of Helicobacter pylori infection and obesity on heartburn in a Japanese population

Heartburn is the main symptom of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) which is a common disorder and is detrimental to health-related quality of life. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of both Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and obesity to heartburn in a Japanese population. This was a cross-sectional study of 7386 (3789 male, mean age 52.5 yr), performed in 2002. Age, sex, smoking, drinking status, and presence/absence of heartburn were recorded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and anti-H. pylori antibodies were measured. For subjects aged 30-39 years and aged 50-59 years, heartburn reported by 7.8% and 9.1%, respectively, and antibodies to H. pylori were detected in 20.2% and 63.3%, respectively. Among younger individuals (<= 39 years) with H. pylori infection, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having heartburn was 2.41, compared with those without infection. Overall, 21.3% were obese (BMI >= 25). Among middle-aged individuals (40-59 years) who were obese, the adjusted OR for having heartburn was 1.41, compared who were not obese. In conclusion, H. pylori infection and obesity are independently associated with increased risk of heartburn in the younger-aged and the middle-aged Japanese population, respectively.