Is CoQ10 Good For Your Heart?

What Is CoQ10?

CoQ10 stands for Coenzyme Q-10. It's a substance our bodies make. This compound is in many parts of the body, but it's most common in the heart, kidney, and liver. The reason? These organs need a lot of energy to work well.

CoQ10 helps them make this energy. Our cells use it to produce ATP. Think of ATP or Adenosine Triphosphate as the power that keeps every cell running.

As we get older, we start having less CoQ10 in our bodies. We have lots of it when we are young, with levels peaking at about 25 years old. By the time someone is 65, their CoQ10 levels can drop by half.

This natural reduction can impact energy production and, over time, may influence organ health and overall vitality. Although CoQ10 is present in some foods such as beef, chicken, and fatty fish, the amounts are usually too small to significantly replenish declining levels.

For individuals who might need more CoQ10, such as those with certain health conditions or people taking medications like statins that lower CoQ10 levels, supplementation can be a practical way to restore balance.

Supplementing CoQ10 could help maintain energy production, support cellular health, and potentially offer extra protection for essential organs, contributing to overall well-being as we grow older.

Nourish Your Heart with CoQ10 Power!

Importance of CoQ10 in Heart Healt

Now that we know what CoQ10 is, let's consider its role in keeping the heart working properly. The heart needs a lot of energy to pump blood all over the body. This is where CoQ10 comes into play, it gives the heart the power it needs.

With advancing age, our bodies make less CoQ10, especially after 65 years. This drop can harm heart health. For those with high blood pressure or on statin medications, getting enough CoQ10 is even more important.

In a study by Cochrane Library, It has been shown that It helps to lower blood pressure and help with side effects from statins. In patients with severe heart failure, CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of death.

CoQ10 could be a lifesaver for those battling severe heart issues. After a heart attack, continuing to use CoQ10 might also lessen the chances of more problems happening later on. With age naturally lowering our body's production of this vital nutrient, supplementing with CoQ10 becomes key for maintaining good cardiovascular health (CVD).

Benefits of CoQ10 Supplementation

Think of CoQ10 as your heart's battery pack. It creates energy that keeps your heart beating strong - and research shows taking it as a supplement can make a real difference. People with heart failure have found that taking CoQ10 daily can really make a difference, noticeably improving their symptoms over time.

What makes CoQ10 really interesting is how it tackles multiple heart issues at once. It helps bring down high blood pressure in many people. Plus, it acts like a shield, protecting heart cells from everyday damage that can build up over the years. These health benefits of Coenzyme Q10 make it a valuable ally for heart health.

Here's something your doctor might not mention: If you're on statins for cholesterol, you probably need CoQ10. These medications actually drain your body's CoQ10 supply. Supplementing isn't just helpful - it's essential. Some heart surgeons even recommend taking it before surgery since it seems to help patients recover faster.

And as we get older? Our natural CoQ10 levels drop. While that's just part of aging, supplementing can help keep your heart running like a well-oiled machine.

CoQ10 for Individuals on Statin Medications

Power Up Your Heart with CoQ10 While on Statins

Some people take statin medications to lower cholesterol. These drugs can lower CoQ10 levels in the body. This is not good for heart health. Adding CoQ10 supplements might help bring those levels back up.

However, not everyone will feel better with CoQ10 if they are on statins. Extensive research has examined the effects of CoQ10 on muscle pain caused by statins. In 2022, a big study found that CoQ10 does not always fix muscle pain caused by statins. Yet, some folks say it helps their pain. Doctors suggest talking to them before starting CoQ10 if you use heart medication.

This way, they can watch out for any problems and make sure it's safe for you.

Antioxidant Properties of CoQ10

CoQ10 has strong antioxidant powers. It fights harmful molecules in your body that can damage cells. This is good for the heart. The body makes antioxidants like superoxide dismutase better with CoQ10.

A recent study of StatPearls showed that this can reduce stress on cells. This nutrient also keeps blood flowing smoothly by lowering lipid peroxidation. For people with heart issues, it helps keep nitric oxide levels up, making blood vessels work better.

Dr. Ryan Peterson

According to Dr. Ryan Peterson, a board-certified physician in anesthesiology and pain medicine,

CoQ10 acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting heart cells from oxidative stress and damage, which can otherwise lead to inflammation and cardiovascular problems.

CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to improve heart lining health, particularly in individuals with diabetes or an elevated risk of heart disease. Plus, using CoQ10 long-term may lower the chance of dying from cardiovascular problems.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Taking CoQ10 supplements can support heart health. However, some people might have side effects.

• Stomach issues - Some may get an upset stomach, feel like throwing up, or have diarrhea.
• Loss of appetite - A few people might not feel hungry after taking CoQ10.
• Mild insomnia - Taking doses of 100 mg/d or more could make it hard for some to sleep.
• Blood pressure changes - CoQ10 can lower blood pressure, so those with already low pressure need to watch out.
• Medication interactions - It can affect how well certain medicines work, like warfarin, by making blood clot slower.
• Cancer treatment effects - It might change how cancer drugs work in the body.
• Pregnancy considerations - Safe after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but unsure during breastfeeding.

READ ALSO: How Much Coenzyme Q10 Should You Take Per Day?