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Low creatine kinase is associated with a high population incidence of fainting

Lizzy M Brewster1, Gideon Mairuhu, Karin Ganzeboom

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. l.m.brewster@amc.uva.nl

Clinical Autonomic Research : Official Journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society
|May 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Low creatine kinase (CK) activity is linked to a significantly higher risk of fainting. This study suggests low CK may be a new risk factor for vasovagal syncope.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Metabolic Enzyme Function
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Vasovagal syncope involves vasoconstrictor capacity, skeletal muscle tone, and renal sodium retention.
  • Energy-intensive processes like muscle contractility and ion transport rely on enzymes such as creatine kinase (CK).
  • A hypothesis posits that reduced CK activity may increase fainting risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between vasovagal syncope and low serum creatine kinase (CK) activity.
  • To explore CK as a potential risk factor for fainting.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study included 442 participants aged 34-60 from a general population sample.
  • Fainting history was collected while investigators were blinded to CK levels.
  • The primary outcome measured was the lifetime cumulative incidence of vasovagal syncope in relation to serum CK levels.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with low CK exhibited a 73% greater occurrence of fainting compared to those with high-normal CK (39% vs. 22%).
  • The association between low CK and fainting was statistically significant (P = 0.0005).
  • This finding remained consistent across recurrent fainters and in both men and women.

Conclusions:

  • Low creatine kinase (CK) activity is significantly associated with an increased incidence of vasovagal syncope in the general population.
  • The biological plausibility is supported by CK's role in muscle contractility and salt retention.
  • Low CK activity emerges as a potential novel risk factor for vasovagal syncope.
Abstract

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