u/disco_super_bi

Hi, I just found this sub after doing a search on whether creatine can cause PVCs.

I am 48F, veteran of three open heart surgeries (valve replacements) and pacemaker dependent since my second surgery in 2005.

I had constant and worsening ectopic beats for several years before I had my tricuspid valve replaced in October 2024. It had been damaged by a pacemaker lead, causing regurgitation which was 'massive' before anyone decided I was sick enough to risk surgery.

My cardiologist at the time told me that there was nothing that could be done about the constant ectopic beats, and put me on beta blockers. I had a couple of stress echos but they didn't show anything useful as my PVCs were mostly evident at rest.

After my surgery the PVCs pretty much disappeared and I got into improving my fitness. The only time I really noticed them was when I did too much cardio, and after taking a week off they went away again.

Then a couple of weeks ago I decided to try creatine. I can't take regular HRT due to progesterone intolerance, so I was hoping creatine might help with perimenopause symptoms.

Within a few days I felt amazing. I was sleeping better, more enthusiasm for life, more motivated. HRV going up, stress going down (according to my Garmin). Amazing. But then I noticed the PVCs ramping up again. An internet search revealed that this can be a thing for some people.

Obviously if I can't find a way to reduce the PVCs again I'm going to have to stop taking the creatine and go back to being a miserable b1tch. Which I don't want to do. But with a mechanical valve every beat is amplified and as a lot of you will know PVCs are not pleasant.

I'm sat here currently feeling them on every 2nd or 3rd beat. They tend to settle down early in the morning and are more noticeable at rest.

I'm doing my best to drink plenty, aiming for 3-3.5lt per day, and adding electrolytes to my first litre of the day.

I don't consume alcohol or caffeine, I get plenty of exercise and I eat all the things that a middle aged woman should eat with regard to fibre, protein, good fats, etc.

My PVCs are clearly lifestyle related if creatine can bring them on, so I guess I am after some ideas about how to keep the good effects of creatine while reducing the clunking sensation in my chest.

48F, deep in peri. I can't take regular HRT due to progesterone intolerance. I've been doing my best with diet and exercise and I generally stay away from supplements because of interactions with my heart meds.

I decided to give creatine a try. 5g of monohydrate in my smoothie every day. I'm about 10 days in and pleased to report that I am much less of a miserable b1tch. I have more motivation and I am finding joy in my favourite things again.

My sleep has improved, HRV is going up. I do have to drink a lot to keep dehydration symptoms at bay and I've noticed increased PVCs/heart palpitations but these are reducing as I dial in my water intake.

I haven't had any noticeable stomach trouble and no significant weight gain. I weigh in once a week.

It will be interesting to see if I have any significant muscle gains, I have been lifting 3x a week for six months and don't seem to have got much stronger.

I know these things don't all work for everyone, but it could be worth a try if you are someone who can't use HRT for any reason.