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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.

Last updated: Aug 22, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Increased fasting plasma succinate levels are associated with higher resting heart rate in young sedentary adults.

observational

Osuna-Prieto FJ, Alcantara JMA, Plaza-Florido A, Vendrell J, Fernández-Veledo S, Ruiz JR · Frontiers in physiology (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A (cross-sectional)
Intervention: No intervention; observational study measuring fasting plasma succinate levels and resting cardiovascular parameters.
Outcome: Resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters (e.g., time and frequency domain indices) measured under fasting, thermoneutral conditions.
Effect Size: β=0.213 (unstandardized regression coefficient); R²=0.074; mean difference of +4 bpm (95% CI: +0.1 to +8.3) for above vs. below median succinate.
Population: 85 young sedentary adults (18-25 years; 56 women) from the ACTIBATE study cohort (NCT02365129).

Result:

PubMed: 42609399DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2026.1860592

Mechanism Graph

Succinate is a circulating metabolic intermediate and signaling metabolite.
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Succinate may influence autonomic nervous system activity or cardiac function via its receptors (e.g., SUCNR1).
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Higher succinate levels could reflect altered metabolic state that impacts heart rate regulation.
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Result: Higher fasting succinate is associated with higher resting heart rate, but causality not established.

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.