Overview
of the use of CoQ10 in cardiovascular disease.
STUDY
Langsjoen PH, Langsjoen AM
The clinical
experience in cardiology with CoQ10 includes studies on
congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, hypertensive
heart disease, diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle,
and reperfusion injury as it relates to coronary artery bypass
graft surgery.
The CoQ10-lowering effect of HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors and the potential adverse consequences
are of growing concern. Supplemental CoQ10 alters the natural
history of cardiovascular illnesses and has the potential for
prevention of cardiovascular disease through the inhibition of
LDL cholesterol oxidation and by the maintenance of optimal
cellular and mitochondrial function throughout the ravages of
time and internal and external stresses. The attainment of
higher blood levels of CoQ10 (> 3.5 micrograms/ml) with the
use of higher doses of CoQ10 appears to enhance both the
magnitude and rate of clinical improvement. In this
communication, 34 controlled trials and several open-label and
long-term studies on the clinical effects of CoQ10 in
cardiovascular diseases are reviewed.
Review, academic