Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States. It comes in many different forms, including heart failure, valve problems and coronary artery disease, which is the narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the heart. Creatine is an amino acid your body produces for use by your muscles. It may conjure up images of professional athletes who use creatine as a muscle-building supplement. However, your heart is perhaps the most important muscle in your body, and research is now exploring creatine's effects on heart disease. Only a health-care professional should treat heart disease, so talk to your doctor before taking creatine.
History
Scientists discovered creatine as a natural component of meat in the 1800s, but it was not until the 1970s that scientists suggested creatine supplements might improve athletic performance. By the 1990s, athletes considered creatine a natural way to enhance their performance. MayoClinic.com reports its use is widespread among many athletes. Researchers are now investigating many other possible uses for creatine, not only in heart disease but Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Creatine
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, using other amino acids, your liver, kidney and pancreas make half the creatine that is in your body. The rest comes from the food you eat. The best source of creatine is wild game, but lean red meat and fish such as herring, salmon and tuna are also good sources. Supplements in the form of powders, liquids, tablets and energy bars are available.
Creatine and Heart Disease
UMMC reports that a preliminary clinical study suggests creatine supplements may help to lower levels of triglycerides, or fat, in the blood of individuals with high concentrations of triglycerides. Triglycerides harden your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease. Studies also report that creatine helps to lower levels of homocysteine, a marker for potential heart disease.
Creatine and Heart Failure
Heart failure is a specific type of heart disease. According to MayoClinic.com, people with heart failure have low amounts of creatine in their hearts. A few clinical trials demonstrate that people with heart failure can do more exercise before tiring when taking creatine. According to UMMC, fatigue is a major symptom of heart failure. MayoClinic.com reports that many studies suggest creatine supplements may improve heart muscle strength and endurance in patients with heart failure.
Warning
MayoClinic.com warns that until further studies comparing the effects of creatine and traditional heart failure medications are conducted, creatine supplementation for heart disease should not be recommended. Furthermore, MedlinePlus reports that creatine can cause stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, muscle cramping, and other more serious side effects such as an irregular heart beat. Talk to your doctor before taking any creatine supplements.
