Ruth Butters asked:


One of the most exciting results of the ongoing research on CoQ10 benefits is the role it plays in maintaining and restoring heart health.

Over the years numerous studies have investigated the benefit of Coemzyme Q10 supplementation for improving cardiovascular function and over all heart health. The compound, a potent antioxidant, has been proven to enhance energy production and improve the ability of heart muscles to contract.

Landmark study demonstrates effectiveness

A landmark 1994 study, which involved more than 400 patients with cardiac disease, summarized eight years of research on the usefulness of CoQ10 in clinical cardiology. The patients were supplemented with oral CoQ10 at daily doses of 75-600 mg in addition to their conventional medical regimen, and were followed for an average of 17.8 months.

The clinical response of this study was evaluated according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional scale. The results were very encouraging; 58 percent of patients improved by one NYHA class, 28 percent by two classes, and 1.2 percent by three NYHA classes.

Medical dependency was also tracked, and 43 percent of patients receiving the coQ10 supplements stopped between one and three medications, with no side effects reported.

Continued research confirms role as heart heath helper

A mounting body of research confirms the the benefit of CoQ10 supplementation for various cardiovascular conditions.

One important clinical study, for example, found that people who received daily CoQ10 supplements within 3 days of a heart attack were significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. In addition, these same patients were less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not receive the supplements. CoQ10 supplementation is believed to reduce swelling and blood pooling in the lungs and legs of patients with congestive heart failure. Numerous clinical studies suggest that 4 to 12 weeks of CoQ10 supplementation may lower blood pressure Clinical studies show that introducing coQ10 supplementation prior to heart surgery can reduce free radical damage, lower the incidence of arrythmias, and shorten recovery time. CoQ10 may help prevent heart damage caused by certain chemotherapy drugs.

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Dr. John Heinerman asked:


Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death among Americans and Britons alike. Heart disease also kills more women than men, accounting for one in five female deaths. Even more startling, however, is that it claims responsibility for more deaths in women than all forms of cancer combined.

And yet there is surprisingly good news. Heart disease is one of the most preventable health conditions. In fact, people have the power to reduce many of their risks by simply avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising often and taking certain supplements regularly.

Patients suffering from congestive heart failure exhibit impaired myocardial energy production and increased oxidative stress. One of the most important nutritional factors for myocardial energy production and the reduction of oxidative stress is CoQ10. It is found in virtually all cells of the human body, including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles.

CoQ10 functions as a carrier to transfer electrons across the membrane of mitochondria (the energy generator in the body’s cells) to create the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel that energizes cells in our body. Heart muscle cells have the greatest concentration of mitochondria at 5000 per cell.

“Molecular Aspects of Medicine” (18:S137) reported that patients with elevated cholesterol levels, who were taking either Pravastatin or Lovastatin over a period of 18 weeks, lost close to 30% of their total serum levels of CoQ10. Therefore, anyone taking prescription statin drugs to lower their cholesterol levels will also experience dramatic decreases in their CoQ10 counts as well and will need to supplement to attain adequate amounts. Additionally, research in patients with hypertension indicates that treatment with CoQ10 decreases blood pressure by diminishing the oxidative stress associated with congestive heart failure.

A recent review on the effects of omega 3 fatty acids concerning cardiovascular disease revealed that increased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements, reduced the rate of mortality, cardiac and sudden death — even strokes.

Although the success levels were not quite the same as reported with the omega 3 fatty acids obtained from fish and fish oil, similar studies on flaxseed and walnuts have also been conducted with positive results for the same indications.

Other substances such as policosanol, phytosterols, L-carnitine, D-ribose, beta-glucans and tocotrienols can affect the positive outcome of cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and regular exercise. There are ample reports in the medical literature to justify their use in heart disease and stroke.

Personal heart health can be dramatically improved if an informed consumer is made aware of what is available in the market place. When paired together CoQ10 (www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0013.shtml)and essential fatty acids, i.e. omega 3 types (www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0016.shtml). go a long way toward achieving this.



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