Coenzyme Q10 is a compound produced by the human body that may prevent you from having a Heart Attack
This vitamin-like substance is found in most of the body's cells except for red blood cells and eye lens cells (which contain no mitochondria).
In each human cell, sub-cellular elements called mitochondria work with CoQ10 to convert food energy into adenosine triphosphate or ATP.
95 percent of the body's energy requirements (ATP) are converted with the help of Coenzyme-Q10.
CoQ10 is found in very high quantities in heart muscle cells due to the high-energy requirements of these particular cells. Congestive Heart Failure has been linked to low blood and tissue levels of this particular coenzyme.
Google News reports on a story from Medical,Health News and Articles detailing results of a clinical trial of individuals with Congestive Heart Failure who experienced significant improvements in heart function after supplementation with ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is the active, antioxidant form of CoQ10.
In this study, critically ill patients who took ubiquinol for three months saw a 24 to 50 percent improvement in their hearts' ability to pump blood. In some cases, levels of CoQ10 in the patients' blood more than tripled.
There is a connection between the severity of heart failure and the severity of the deficiency of CoQ10.
In fact, several studies have shown patients with Congestive Heart Failure and other cardiovascular diseases have significantly lower levels of this coenzyme then do normal individuals.
Supplementation with as little as 100 milligrams daily has demonstrated dramatic improvement in the aforementioned individuals.
CoQ10 prevents arteriosclerosis by reducing the amount of oxidized fats in blood vessels.
It also reduces high blood pressure, regulates the heart's rhythm, and improves chest pain in Angina patients.
A national clinical trial of a small group of Parkinson's disease patients found this coenzyme could slow deterioration of their condition by as much as 44 percent.
Levels of CoQ10 tend to be lower in same age individuals with high cholesterol levels than individuals with normal cholesterol levels.
In addition, individuals taking cholesterol-managing medicines, such as the statins (Atorvastatin, Cerivastatin, Lovastatin, Pravastatin, Simvastatin) cause the body to delete natural levels of CoQ10. Taking supplements of this coenzyme can correct this deficiency.
The Studies
In one study, 641 people with Congestive Heart Failure were given either Coenzyme Q10 or a placebo with standard treatment. Individuals taking CoQ10 had a major decrease in symptom severity with fewer hospitalizations.
In another study, 32 patients with end stage heart disease who were waiting for a heart transplant were given either 60 milligrams of CoQ10 or placebo.
At the end of three months, patients given CoQ10 saw improvement in their overall functionality, in their symptoms, and quality of life.
10 patients with Periodontitis (Gingivitis) with 30 Periodontal pockets were given 30 milligrams of topical CoQ10 to apply to the affected areas. At the end of three weeks, significant improvement in symptoms was noted.
Dosage
A typical dosage ranges from 30 to 90 milligrams daily. However, it can be as high as 200 milligrams daily.
It may take up to 8 weeks before you notice any positive results.
Side Effects And Contraindications
As it may lower blood sugar, Diabetics should not use it unless under a doctor's supervision.
Side effects may include diarrhea and rash.
The safety of Coenzyme Q10 in pregnant or nursing women or children has yet to be established.
You should not take CoQ10 if you are taking any of the following medicines:
Diabetes Medications such as Diabeta, Glucophage, Glynase, Insulin, Micronase may interact with CoQ10.
ACE Inhibitors such as Capoten®, Monopril®, Vasotec® may interact with Coenzyme Q10 intensifying the effects of these medicines.
Beta Blockers such as Inderal®, Lopressor®, Tenormin®, Toprol XL™ may interact with CoQ10.
Calcium Channel Blockers such as Adalat®, Calan®, Isoptin® and Procardia® when taken with CoQ10 can intensify the effects of these drugs.
Diuretics such as Esidrix®, HydroDIURIL®, Lasix® and OreticD effects may be intensified when taken with CoQ10.
HMG Co-A Reductase Inhibitors including the Statin drugs such as Lipitor®, Mevacor®, Pravachol®, may reduce levels of CoQ10 putting you at greater risk for a Heart attack.
Anticoagulants such as Coumadin® may be affected by CoQ10’s chemical structure, which is similar to vitamin K, which increases blood clotting capability.
Dopamine-Enhancing Drugs such as Atamet®, Parcopa™, and Sinemet® effects may be intensified when taken with Coenzyme Q10. These drugs are typically used to treat depression and Parkinson’s disease.
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