Home > Gastroenterology > Hiatal Hernia and GERD Get the Flash Player to see this player. Rate: (Click the stars to rate) Published on Oct 28, 2008 by xescvs, Views: 2423 Many people with GERD- gastroesophageal reflux disease also have a hiatal hernia, which is an outpuching of the esophagus. A hiatal hernia creates incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter, which makes you more prone to GERD and the symptoms of heartburn.