Can creatine raise blood pressure? It’s the kind of question only underfed, over-caffeinated finance interns ask after three weeks of staring at their own reflection in the mirrored walls of Equinox, clutching a half-empty bottle of Evian. The short answer? No—at least, not in any way that actually matters. I take Thorne Research Creatine, and if there were any real blood pressure spikes, I’d notice—just like how I notice when some guy at Pastis orders steak frites instead of the filet mignon. Attention to detail matters.
Does Creatine Increase Blood Pressure?
The creatine and blood pressure debate comes from people who fundamentally misunderstand physiology—think finance bros with bad skin and worse suits. Creatine is well-documented for its ability to increase muscle hydration and intracellular water retention, but that doesn’t mean it affects hypertension or heart health.
The myth stems from the fact that creatine pulls water into muscle cells. But this has nothing to do with systemic blood pressure—the pressure in your arteries. Water retention at the muscular level isn’t the same as water retention in blood plasma. Most people asking, “Can creatine cause high blood pressure?” are the same people who think wearing an Hermes tie with an ill-fitting suit makes them stylish.
Scientific Studies on Creatine and Blood Pressure
I skimmed a meta-analysis from the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition while waiting for my reservation at Le Bernardin. The data? No significant effect on systolic or diastolic blood pressure in healthy individuals. Meaning, if you’re worried about creatine causing hypertension, your fear is based on outdated bro-science or that one TikTok fitness influencer who only wears Gymshark compression shirts.
The only situation where creatine might affect blood pressure is if you already have pre-existing hypertension or kidney disease—and even then, the research is inconclusive. Meanwhile, these same people are drinking venti iced lattes from Starbucks packed with 50g of sugar but worrying about 5g of creatine monohydrate.
Does Creatine Damage Kidneys and Increase Blood Pressure?
The confusion comes from serum creatinine levels, a marker used in kidney function tests. Supplementing with Optimum Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate will increase creatinine levels slightly, but this does not mean kidney damage. Elevated creatinine from supplementation is different from renal failure, just like wearing a Rolex Submariner with a cheap polyester suit doesn’t make you stylish.
If creatine was genuinely bad for kidneys, bodybuilders and athletes who have used it for decades would have catastrophic renal failure rates. But they don’t. Why? Because creatine is one of the most researched supplements on the planet, and studies repeatedly show no harmful effects on kidney function in healthy individuals.
Can Creatine Lower Blood Pressure?
Here’s what’s actually interesting: creatine might lower blood pressure. Some studies suggest that creatine increases nitric oxide (NO) production, improving vascular function and promoting vasodilation—essentially helping arteries relax, which can reduce blood pressure. This is the same effect people try to achieve with L-arginine or citrulline malate, only without the bitter-tasting pre-workout powder that smells like regret.
So, if you’re worried about creatine and heart health, stop. The bigger risk for blood pressure? Pre-workouts like C4 Ultimate with 300mg of caffeine per scoop—enough to make your heart rate mimic a bad trade at market open.
Final Thoughts on Creatine and Hypertension
The fear that creatine increases blood pressure is nothing more than health trend paranoia. If you’re genuinely concerned, check your sodium intake, caffeine consumption, and actual lifestyle habits before blaming one of the most well-studied supplements in sports nutrition.
People scared of creatine are usually the same ones crushing four cold brews daily, eating processed, sodium-heavy meals, and refusing to read actual scientific studies. If you’re still asking, “Is creatine safe for blood pressure?” you’ve already lost the plot. The real question is: Why are you trusting TikTok influencers instead of science?
Leave a Reply