Creatine is naturally synthesized in your muscles from amino acids and used to regenerate energy during intense short-duration activities. No large clinical trials have confirmed the effect of creatine supplementation during heart disease, but preliminary studies suggest that creatine may reduce markers of cardiac stress of damage in the blood.
Markers of Heart Disease
During heart disease, your heart has to pump harder to overcome high blood pressure and faster to supply your body with oxygen and nutrients when the heart pump is inefficient. As the heart works harder, it produces larger quantities of certain enzymes, proteins and byproducts that are detectable in the blood. Your doctor will measure many of these to determine the health of your heart without using an invasive procedure.
About Creatine
Creatine is synthesized from the amino acids glycine, L-arginine and L-methionine in your muscles. Your muscle uses energy to convert creatine to phosphocreatine that is used to replenish ATP, the main energy source in your cells, during intense, short-duration activities. Creatine can also be found in the diet in fish and meat.
Creatine and Cardiac Damage
Initial research into the subject suggests that supplemental creatine may help lower levels of homocysteine, a marker associated with heart disease. High homocysteine levels are also correlated with increased risk of stroke, dementia, B-12 deficiency and renal disease. Creatine may also aid in lowering triglyceride levels and help improve exercise tolerance in those with heart disease. Research is unavailable as to whether creatine lowers levels of other markers of heart disease.
Safe Supplementation
Consult with your healthcare provider before you start creatine supplementation if you are currently being treated for any medical condition including heart disease. Creatine greatly increases the body's need for water and may worsen side effects of diuretics or other medications that deplete body fluid. Creatine may place an additional burden on your kidneys. Creatine is best absorbed when taken in the morning or prior to exercise. Creatine may cause gastrointestinal bloating or fluid retention.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference: Complementary Medicine: Creatine
- Quest Diagnostics: Non-Lipid Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Test Guide
- MayoClinic.com; Heart Disease; Jan. 12, 2011
- "Clinical Laboratory Science"; Oral creatine supplements lower plasma homocysteine concentrations in humans; W.J. Korzun; 2004
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