Effect of Creatine and L-Arginine on Endothelial Function

Effect of Creatine and L-Arginine on Endothelial Function in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

The study is a double blind 2x2 factorial study. Patients with coronary disease will be randomly be assigned to L-arginine (9 g/day), creatine 21 g/d, both, or neither dietary supplement. The function of the endothelium will be tested using ultrasound before and after each treatment. These studies will help us understand why the endothelium is abnormal in patients with coronary artery disease and how L-arginine is acting on endothelial function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Coronary artery disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Creatine use within one month of study
• L-arginine use within one month of study
• Change in dose or initiation of lipid lowering therapy, aspirin therapy, or angiotensin converting enzyme therapy within one month of study