cardioesophageal reflux /-əsof′əjē″əl/ [Gk, kardia, heart, oisophagos, gullet; L, refluere, to flow back] , a backward flow or regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus. Repeated episodes of reflux can lead to esophagitis. Among factors contributing to the condition are stomach pressure greater than esophageal pressure, hiatal hernia, and incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter.
