Health News and Research

Coenzyme Q10 effective in isolated systolic hypertension

Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, Idaho 83702, USA.

BACKGROUND: Increasing numbers of the adult population are using alternative or complementary health resources in the treatment of chronic medical conditions. Systemic hypertension affects more than 50 million adults and is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the antihypertensive effectiveness of oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an over-the-counter nutritional supplement, in a cohort of 46 men and 37 women with isolated systolic hypertension.

METHODS: We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with twice daily administration of 60 mg of oral CoQ10 and determination of plasma CoQ10 levels before and after the 12 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS: The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of the CoQ10-treated group was 17.8 +/- 7.3 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM). None of the patients exhibited orthostatic blood pressure changes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest CoQ10 may be safely offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option.

Source:

Burke BE, Neuenschwander R, Olson RD.  Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension.  South Med J. 2001 Nov;94(11):1112-7.
 

Key concepts: coenzyme Q10, coq10, blood pressure, hypertension