Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a cofactor required for the electron transport chain which is an energy producing process that occurs in every cell in the body. This process is especially important in the heart which needs a vast amount of energy production in order to pump blood through our bodies. The theory is that providing adequate amounts of CoQ10 should help with more efficient energy production, thus, a stronger and healthier working heart. Research has shown that people with high blood pressure, chronic heart failure and heart disease all have low amounts of CoQ10. Coq10 is also a very strong antioxidant which further benefits the conditions listed above since one thing they all have in common is the production of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress in the body can cause negative health effects and antioxidants are necessary for repair. CoQ10 also stabilizes and protects smooth muscle cells and blood vessels which could be the reason it has shown to be so effective in the treatment of high blood pressure.
I believe that CoQ10 can also prevent secondary coronary events. Secondary coronary events include a second heart attack or any issue regarding the heart, occurring after a first event. If a person has never supplemented with CoQ10 and has had a coronary event then they will have an even higher demand for energy production so it would definitely be beneficial to consider adding CoQ10 into a treatment plan. It has been shown that CoQ10 is most effective when given within the first 3 days and for the first year following a coronary event in order to prevent a second one. CoQ10 is non-toxic with little to no side effects and does not typically interact with conventional medications that are given for cardiovascular issues. It is important to note that CoQ10 production in the body is blocked in people taking cholesterol lowering medications called statins (ie. Lipitor and Crestor) and every person on these medications should be taking a CoQ10 supplement.
Overall, I feel that the use of CoQ10 will not harm and will most likely result in positive health benefits so should be considered in treatment plans for people with past coronary events or current cardiovascular risk.
Please consult a physician before taking CoQ10 to find out whether it would benefit you and what dose would be appropriate.
I believe that CoQ10 can also prevent secondary coronary events. Secondary coronary events include a second heart attack or any issue regarding the heart, occurring after a first event. If a person has never supplemented with CoQ10 and has had a coronary event then they will have an even higher demand for energy production so it would definitely be beneficial to consider adding CoQ10 into a treatment plan. It has been shown that CoQ10 is most effective when given within the first 3 days and for the first year following a coronary event in order to prevent a second one. CoQ10 is non-toxic with little to no side effects and does not typically interact with conventional medications that are given for cardiovascular issues. It is important to note that CoQ10 production in the body is blocked in people taking cholesterol lowering medications called statins (ie. Lipitor and Crestor) and every person on these medications should be taking a CoQ10 supplement.
Overall, I feel that the use of CoQ10 will not harm and will most likely result in positive health benefits so should be considered in treatment plans for people with past coronary events or current cardiovascular risk.
Please consult a physician before taking CoQ10 to find out whether it would benefit you and what dose would be appropriate.
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