What Causes Boerhaave’s Syndrome?

Weight Lifting

Some individuals may experience a tear of the esophagus as a result of heavy weight lifting activity. This can be from lifting heavy objects such as furniture during a move, or it could be attributed to the sport of weight lifting. Weight lifting as a sport involves the activity of an individual lifting weighted barbells in a single-movement lift from the floor to shoulder position. Sometimes the barbells are lifted from the shoulder position to the extended position above an individual's head. Should an internal mechanism cause the individual's esophagogastric sphincter to stay in a closed position during the weight lifting exercise, it is possible for the individual to experience tearing in their esophagus. The exercise of weight lifting or lifting of a heavy object can cause the abdominal muscles to contract and push air upwards towards the esophagus. When an influx of pressurized air is pushed into the esophagus, and the esophagogastric sphincter does not open to allow its release, the esophagus will dilate. If this dilation reaches a certain threshold, the patient's esophagus will perforate under pressure.

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