Hypertension with creatine

[MAXOUT]

I continually notice that my BP seems to be elevated when I am taking creatine. Does this seem to be the case with anyone else? Hypertension is normally anything above 140/90.

 

[gymtime]

I've taken it on and off for years and have never noticed that.

 

[MAXOUT]

My last couple readings have been around 138/80 which is quite high considering I'm normally around 124/70. I had heard that creatine could alter BP. Both readings where in the morning and maybe due cortisol levels. Regardless my pulse rate was less than 60 BPM and BS was below 90 after 1 hour post prandial. I will continue monitoring and test the relevance of this.

 

[MAXOUT]

Here's some info I gathered around the net: (I can't vouch for the sources but apparent this isn't isolated) Most people are likely to be unaware of small rises in their BP unless they measure it on a constant basis anyway.

http://www.natural-bodybuilding.net/nutrition/creatine.html

http://www.healthycompetition.org/hc/creatine_position.html

http://www.bla.net/opul/crfaq.htm
Creatines effects on blood pressure are an open question. Since it
has the effect of fluid retention in muscle, it might increase blood
pressure in the same way high sodium levels do, but this has not been established or refuted.

http://www.nutritionalsupplements.com/creaheart.html

http://www.creatine.com/downside/power_powder.shtml
Its water-retaining characteristic may be tied to a rise in blood pressure in some athletes.

 

[40butpumpin]

Well, creatine will allow your muscle cells to become ultra hydrated. Which means you will be carrying more water. This in turn, by some small amount, will increase the pressure on your blood vessels throughout your body. This small increase in pressure on your blood vessels will increase your bp a bit. I've also experienced this but it was a very small increase so I never paid it no mind. I am very cautious of getting bloating in my face, however, which I do get with creatine. I've bought the product Swole to see what that's like but haven't really put it to test just yet as I've been sick with a respiratory infection. I should know in a few weeks though.

 

[riskybizz007]

If you don't have hypertension (HTN) right now, don't worry about the BP increase. HTN is not diagnosed just b/c in one reading you're over 140/90. There are many factors that play into it, stress, anxiety, diet, exercise, what you were doing before you took your BP, some supplements will increase BP, etc.

Now if you do have HTN, one of the biggest things in diet that needs to be changed is sodium intake has to be lowered. B/c of the water retention. Creatine has a similar affect.

Don't worry about it.

 

[40butpumpin]

...There are many factors that play into it, stress, anxiety, diet, exercise...

Yes, exactly. But the biggest factor is hereditary. If your Mom and/or Dad don't have it, definitely don't sweat it.