Does creatine impact atrial fibrillation?
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Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that can lead to serious complications such as stroke and heart failure. The potential impact of creatine supplementation on atrial fibrillation is a topic of interest, particularly given the widespread use of creatine among athletes and individuals seeking to enhance physical performance.
Key Insights
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Creatine and Atrial Fibrillation Incidence:
- There is a reported case of a young man developing atrial fibrillation potentially linked to creatine monohydrate supplementation, suggesting a possible association between creatine use and the onset of AF in individuals without structural heart disease.
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Renal Function and Atrial Fibrillation:
- Reduced creatinine clearance (CrCl) is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including thromboembolism and all-cause death, in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation .
- Lower eGFR and higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios are significantly associated with a greater risk of incident atrial fibrillation, indicating that impaired kidney function may contribute to the development of AF.
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Creatine Phosphate and Arrhythmias:
- Creatine phosphate has been shown to provide protection against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in rat heart models, suggesting potential anti-arrhythmic properties.
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Creatine Phosphokinase MB and Atrial Fibrillation:
- Elevated postoperative creatine phosphokinase MB levels were not found to predict long-term cardiac death or the development of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Conclusion
The available research suggests a potential link between creatine supplementation and the onset of atrial fibrillation, particularly in individuals without pre-existing heart conditions. Additionally, impaired renal function is a significant risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation. While creatine phosphate may have protective effects against certain types of arrhythmias, elevated creatine phosphokinase MB levels do not appear to predict long-term AF outcomes. Further studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms and implications of creatine use in relation to atrial fibrillation.
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