What role does genetics play in GERD?

Evidence from twin and family studies on GERD have suggested that this condition may have about 31% heritability — meaning that a genetic influence can account for about one-third of the variation in GERD in the general population.^[1] Identical twins are more likely to both have GERD than fraternal twins or non-twin family members,^[2] and studies on families indicate a clear pattern of inheritance for GERD.^[3] The role of specific genes in GERD has been elusive, though one study identified the C825T polymorphism in the GNB3 subunit gene as being significantly associated with GERD.^[4]