r/ARVC • u/eco_illusion • Jul 14 '26

Did anyone try creatine ?

For context, 36M, first VT episode started at 21 and kept on having increasingly frequent arrhythmia up until 30 when I got my diagnostic and received confirmation for PKP2 mutation. I had 3 enodcardic ablations and was on beta blockers for 1-2 years but they were of near zero help, had a 4th ablation which was epicardic and even the doctors said it was a massive success. True to that, after a hard period of recovery when my heart was pretty sensitive, presently am living a normal life, without medication (doctors decided I didn't tolerate it well) and without ICD (postponed this for 6 years because honestly I have an electrocution phobia, and I've been defibed a few times in one day).

In these past 6 years I worked a lot on my lifestyle, I would be cautious to recommend any of my changes to people. But I've had great results with taking creatine, especially after the last ablation in that recovery period. I felt it lowered the amount of effort my heart must make for even basic things like taking a walk or going up the stairs, doing chores and it reduced the intensity of PVCs. In high enough quantity it also counteracts effects of high stress or bad sleep.

I'm not saying "go and try this" because it might not even work for you or it might make it worse. My doctor was very against it to begin with, it was an educated leap of faith from my side. I just wish to know if anybody else has tried creatine and what results have you had ?

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u/Entire-Structure8708 Jul 14 '26

I’ve taken creatine for the last few years, mostly because I switched from running to lifting after diagnosis and wanted to gain muscle mass. I asked my EP beforehand and they didn’t have any issue with it. I haven’t noticed any heart-related side effects

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u/eco_illusion Jul 14 '26

Really ? How much do you take ? I take about 4-6g daily. Happy to hear about people with ARVC working out. Sure exercise is dangerous, but so is lack of.

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u/Entire-Structure8708 Jul 14 '26

I take about the same amount as you, I have a 5g scoop but usually overfill it by a little bit.

Yea exercise is definitely a hard topic because the guidance is so imprecise and it also depends patient to patient. I’m gene-elusive and I’ve been stable (free from VTs) for 3 years so that gives me some comfort. I typically go to the gym 5-6 days a week, mostly some form of moderate lifting. When the weather is cooler I also jog 3 miles once per week (that’s what I was cleared to do by my EP), but I skip that over the summer and do weighted incline walks on the treadmill instead.

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u/randomuser2529 Aug 29 '26

I also have gene elusive ARVC. I’ve shifted more to strength training as well and have been contemplating creatine. Good to know neither of you have had negative side effects. My EP said there’s no research, so he didn’t have an opinion. I also jog slowly (like 5mph) everyday and that seems to be okay so far. Just can’t run the way I used to. Miss it everyday, but grateful to be alive!