The prognostic significance of the viscerocardiac reflex phenomenon.

The acid perfusion test, combined with manometric studies of the oesophagus and serial electrocardiography, has been utilised to determine the incidence of ischaemic ST-segment depression and of significant arrhythmias during acid-induced oesophageal pain. Eight per cent of patients with oesophagitis and coexistent ischaemic heart disease manifest significant ECG changes during oesophageal acid perfusion. The follow-up period of 5 years indicates that these patients have a high incidence of recurrent myocardial infarction.