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Why Is CoQ10 Important For Heart Health? Being a naturally occurring quinone, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is stored in the mitochondria of the cells. The mitochondria are in charge of producing energy. The primary function of CoQ10 is to help mitochondria convert food into energy via oxidative phosphorylation. It also has antioxidant properties, protecting the body's cells by neutralizing damage by free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. While CoQ10 is present in every cell of the body, the highest concentrations are found in organs with the greatest energy demands, such as the heart, kidneys, lungs and liver. Since its discovery in 1957, CoQ10 has been extensively evaluated for its potential to help treat a variety of heart-related conditions. A report published December 2009 in journal ‘Pharmacology & Therapeutics’ indicated that CoQ10 may benefit patients with certain cardiac diseases including atherosclerosis, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. CoQ10 may treat cardiac ailments in a few different ways. For instance, research suggests that CoQ10 may lower oxidative stress, and promote widening of the blood vessels (a key factor in blood pressure control). Very often, heart failure occurs because of other heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or hypertension. In a study published October 15, 2015 in ‘Open Heart’, 420 people with heart failure were treated with CoQ10 for 2 years. Their symptoms were improved and their risk of dying from heart problems were reduced. Earlier in 1993, a paper published in ‘Journal of Clinic Investigation’ reported that participants treated with CoQ10 had been hospitalized less frequently for worsening heart failure and had fewer serious complications. The study involved a total of 641 participants: 322 were assigned to receive placebo and 319 to receive CoQ10. A more recent meta-analysis of 16 studies on CoQ10 supplementation and heart failure found that standard treatment combining with CoQ10 significantly reduced all-cause mortality. The findings were published in the March 2017 issue of ‘Journal of the American College of Cardiology’.
Coronary artery disease, or coronary heart disease (CHD), is related to a buildup of plaque inside the arteries of the heart. These plaques cause the arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart, and causing serious health problems. CHD can sometimes lead to heart attack. CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to be effective in helping improve one of the underlying causes of CHD by reducing oxidative stress. Hypertension is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease. CoQ10 has been studied for its potential to lower blood pressure, though results are inconclusive. Its effect on blood pressure may be due to CoQ10’s antioxidant capabilities and ability to reduce oxidative stress that in turn lowers blood pressure. There is also some indication that CoQ10 may help reduce mitochondrial dysfunction, improving the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which also may be associated with the improvement seen in blood pressure. Furthermore, CoQ10 may widen blood vessels that helps decrease blood pressure. Older people seem to be deficient in CoQ10 because its production tends to decrease with age. Some causes that could lead to deficiency of CoQ10 include nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B6 deficiency; genetic defects in CoQ10 synthesis or utilization; increased demands by tissues as a consequence of disease; mitochondrial diseases; and side effects of statin treatments. Health conditions like heart disease, brain disorders, diabetes, and cancer have been linked to low levels of CoQ10. It is not clear whether low levels of CoQ10 cause these diseases or are a result of them. Fortunately, one can get CoQ10 through supplements or foods. CoQ10 is a fat-soluble compound that can be found in fatty fish (salmon and tuna), organ meats, whole grains, nuts and seeds (sesame seeds and pistachios), fruits (oranges, strawberries), vegetables (spinach, cauliflower and broccoli), legumes (soybeans, lentils, peanuts), and oils (soybean oil, canola oil).
No serious side effects of CoQ10 have been
reported so far but mild side effects such as insomnia or upset stomach may
occur. Patients, especially those taking blood pressure medication, should
consult with their doctors before initiating therapy with CoQ10 to ensure safety
and proper dosing so that the blood pressure does not drop too low. Date: July 30, 2020
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