Creatine and heart health: new insights into the role of creatine in the cardiovascular system

Creatine has long been considered a dietary supplement primarily for athletes. However, in recent years, research has shown that it also plays an important role in heart health and cardiovascular systemIts ability to rapidly regenerate ATP is crucial for tissues with high energy needs, such as heart muscle.

Creatine and heart failure
A systematic review showed that it can creatine supplementation improves functional and symptomatic outcomes in patients with heart failure. A pilot study further confirmed the safety and efficacy of creatine in patients with reduced ejection fraction. Previous studies have shown that creatine increases skeletal muscle creatine phosphate concentrations and improves muscle performance in patients with chronic heart failure.

Creatine and vascular health
Research confirms that creatine is not only important for the heart muscle, but also for vascular systemCreatine supplementation may improve vascular responses in older men and has a potential role in maintaining vascular elasticity and endothelial health.

Creatine and energy metabolism in the heart
At the systemic level, creatine is involved in the regulation of energy flows through phosphotransfer pathways and AMPK signaling. Molecular studies have shown that creatine supports cardiac bioenergetics and enables efficient energy distribution between different cellular compartments. This is crucial for heart energy and long-term heart health.

Mechanisms of action of creatine in the heart
Creatine acts as an energy medium connecting mitochondria and contractile elements of the heart muscle. A dynamic network of metabolic pathways allows for rapid energy supply, which is essential in conditions of increased demand, such as physical activity or heart failure.

Conclusion
Creatine is more than just a nutritional supplement for athletes – it is an important factor in heart health and cardiovascular system. Research confirms that creatine is safe, effective, and can improve functional outcomes in patients with heart failure. In addition, it supports heart energy, vascular health and muscle performance, making it one of the key molecules for cardiovascular vitality.

References

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3. López-Clemente, J.Cet al. Efficacy and safety of creatine supplementation in patients with heart failure. REC: CardioClinics 2025, 60(2), 76-86.

4. Aron, A. et al. Effects of acute creatine supplementation on cardiac and vascular responses in older men. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024, 63, 557-563.

5. Clarke, H.; Hickner, R.C.; Ormsbee, M.J. The Potential Role of Creatine in Vascular Health. Nutrients 2021, 13, 857.

6. Saks, V. et al. Systems Level Regulation of Cardiac Energy Fluxes. In Systems Biology of Metabolic and Signaling Networks, Springer, 2014.

7. Aliev, M. et al. Molecular System Bioenergetics of the Heart. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2011, 12, 9296-9331.

8. Gordon, A. et al. Creatine supplementation in chronic heart failure increases skeletal muscle creatine phosphate and muscle performance. Cardiovasc Res 1995, 30(3), 413-418.