Coenzyme Q₁₀ and Cardiovascular Function

Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀), also known as ubiquinol, is an antioxidant and participant in energy production processes within the cell. Coenzyme Q₁₀ has been shown to benefit several parameters associated with healthy cardiovascular function, most notably reducing blood pressure by up to 17 points;^[1] improving vascular endothelial function (meaning the cells lining the inside of the blood vessels), resulting in a “smoother” pattern of blood flow;^[2][3] as well as improving the heart muscle’s pumping function.^[4] In one study of over 400 patients with heart failure, supplementation with CoQ₁₀ was shown to reduce deaths due to cardiovascular events (9% v. 16% in the placebo group), death from any cause (10% v. 18%), as well as the number of hospital admissions for heart failure–related reasons.^[4] After two years of treatment, patients taking CoQ₁₀ were rated as having less severe heart failure compared to the placebo group, although this was not the case at the beginning of the study.^[4] Treatment with cholesterol medications called “statins” has been shown to reduce levels of CoQ₁₀, so supplementation in these individuals is likely to be even more important as far as prevention of cardiovascular disease is concerned.^[5]

Doses used in clinical trials for cardiovascular disease generally range from 100 to 300 mg daily. Because CoQ₁₀ is fat-soluble, it should be taken with a fat-containing meal for best absorption.

1. Rosenfeldt, F.L., et al. “Coenzyme Q₁₀ in the treatment of hypertension: A meta-analysis of the clinical trials.” Journal of Human Hypertension. Vol. 21, No. 4 (2007): 297–306.
2. Dai, Y.L., et al. “Reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction by coenzyme Q₁₀ supplement improves endothelial function in patients with ischaemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction: A randomized controlled trial.” Atherosclerosis. Vol. 216, No. 2 (2011): 395–401.
3. Hamilton, S.J., G.T. Chew, and G.F. Watts. “Coenzyme Q₁₀ improves endothelial dysfunction in statin-treated type 2 diabetic patients.” Diabetes Care. Vol. 32, No. 5 (2009): 810–812.
4. Mortensen, S.A., et al.; Q-⁠SYMBIO Study Investigators. “The effect of coenzyme Q₁₀ on morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure: Results from Q-⁠SYMBIO: A randomized double-blind trial.” JACC. Heart Failure. Vol. 2, No. 6 (2014): 641–649.
5. Banach, M., et al.; Lipid and Blood Pressure Meta-analysis Collaboration (LBPMC) Group. “Statin therapy and plasma coenzyme Q₁₀ concentrations—A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials.” Pharmacological Research. Vol. 99 (2015): 329–336.