Overview of the use of CoQ_{10} in cardiovascular disease

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Langsjoen, Peter H. | Langsjoen, Alena M.

Affiliations: 1107 Doctors Drive, Tyler, TX‐75701, USA Tel.: +1 903 595 3778; Fax: +1 903 595 4962; E‐mail: 75142.2077@ compuserve.com

Abstract: The clinical experience in cardiology with CoQ_{10} 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 CoQ_{10}‐lowering effect of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors and the potential adverse consequences are of growing concern. Supplemental CoQ_{10} 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 CoQ_{10} (>3.5 \mug/ml) with the use of higher doses of CoQ_{10} 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 CoQ_{10} in cardiovascular diseases are reviewed.

Keywords: Coenzyme Q[TeX:] _{10}, ubiquinone, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, hypertension, ischemia, diastolic dysfunction, angina, cardiac surgery, HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors

Journal: Biofactors, vol. 9, no. 2-4, pp. 273-284, 1999