Which class of blood pressure medication is known to potentially cause GERD?

Calcium channel blockers are known to potentially cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because they can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a muscle that normally keeps stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. When this muscle is relaxed, it may lead to increased reflux and aggravation of GERD symptoms.

In addition to their primary use in managing hypertension and angina, calcium channel blockers can have side effects that impact gastrointestinal motility and the functioning of the LES. This is important to note in a clinical setting where a patient may present with new or worsening GERD symptoms after starting calcium channel blocker therapy.

In contrast, while other classes of antihypertensive medications have their effects and side effects, they are not prominently associated with the exacerbation of GERD in the same way that calcium channel blockers are. For instance, beta blockers do not have the same effect on the LES, and ACE inhibitors and diuretics have different mechanisms of action that do not directly relate to increased gastric reflux.