Elevated fasting plasma succinate is associated with higher resting heart rate in young sedentary adults
In a cross-sectional analysis of 85 young sedentary adults, higher fasting plasma succinate concentrations were modestly associated with increased resting heart rate (β=0.213, R²=0.074, P=0.046), independent of sex and BMI. Participants with succinate above the cohort median had a resting heart rate about 4 bpm higher than those below the median (95% CI: +0.1 to +8.3, P=0.045). No significant associations were found with heart rate variability parameters.
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Elevated fasting plasma succinate is associated with higher resting heart rate in young sedentary adults The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Elevated fasting plasma succinate is associated with higher resting heart rate in young sedentary adults
This conclusion is most relevant to: 85 young sedentary adults (18-25 years; 56 women) from the ACTIBATE study cohort (NCT02365129)..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Increased fasting plasma succinate levels are associated with higher resting heart rate in young sedentary adults. (Frontiers in physiology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Succinate is a circulating metabolic intermediate and signaling metabolite.
- ▸Succinate may influence autonomic nervous system activity or cardiac function via its receptors (e.g., SUCNR1).
- ▸Higher succinate levels could reflect altered metabolic state that impacts heart rate regulation.
- ▸Result: Higher fasting succinate is associated with higher resting heart rate, but causality not established.
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸85 young sedentary adults (18-25 years; 56 women) from the ACTIBATE study cohort (NCT02365129).
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design prevents causal inference and directionality.
- ▸No significant Succinate × Sex interaction, but sex-stratified analysis showed association only in men, suggesting possible sex-specific effects that need confirmation.
- ▸No association with HRV parameters, limiting interpretation of autonomic mechanisms.
- ▸Sample size is relatively small and limited to sedentary young adults, reducing generalizability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of this study?▼
Higher fasting plasma succinate levels are associated with a higher resting heart rate in young sedentary adults, independent of sex and BMI.
Was the association between succinate and heart rate the same in men and women?▼
In exploratory sex-stratified analyses, the association was significant in men (β=0.379, P=0.034) but not in women (β=0.112, P=0.417), though no significant interaction was detected.
Did the study measure heart rate variability?▼
Yes, heart rate variability (HRV) parameters were measured, but no significant associations with succinate levels were found (all P≥0.226).
Can we conclude that succinate causes an increased heart rate?▼
No, this is an observational study; causality cannot be inferred. Longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed.
References
- 1.Osuna-Prieto FJ, Alcantara JMA, Plaza-Florido A, Vendrell J, Fernández-Veledo S, Ruiz JR. “Increased fasting plasma succinate levels are associated with higher resting heart rate in young sedentary adults..” Frontiers in physiology, 2026. PMID: 42609399 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1860592