Biopsy results from heart tissue in patients with various cardiovascular diseases (especially congestive heart failure)
show a deficiency in CoQ10 in 50 to 75 percent of cases. Low blood levels of CoQ10 are also a consistent finding in the
majority of these patients.9-12
Supplementation studies with patients suffering from various cardiomyopathies (i.e. ischemic cardiomyopathy, dilated
cardiomyopathy, heart valve disorders) and congestive heart failure have demonstrated significant improvement in
heart function (according to the New York Heart Association functional scale) in a high percentage of cases.
Many patients in these studies have been able to reduce the number of cardiac drugs required (1-3 medications
reduced in 43 percent of CoQ10 supplemented patients in one study of 424 patients, over an eight year period).
Heart function parameters monitored have included left ventricular wall thickness, mitral valve inflow slope, and
fractional shortening.13,14,15
Congestive Heart Failure - Several controlled studies using Coenzyme Q10 supplementation in patients with congestive
heart failure have demonstrated significant improvement in cardiac ejection fraction, reduced shortness of breath, and
increased muscle strength. Other studies have demonstrated increased stroke volume and cardiac index, improved
survival and improved quality of life, in general. Of great significance is the fact that when patients discontinue CoQ10
supplementation, cardiac function deteriorates. Thus, CoQ10 needs to be a lifelong intervention in these cases.16,17,18
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Angina - A small study has shown that CoQ10 supplementation can reduce angina episodes and nitroglycerine use and
improve treadmill exercise tolerance. Larger trials are required to substantiate this data.19
Hypertension - Several studies have provided evidence that CoQ10 supplementation can lower systolic and diastolic
blood pressure (i.e. systolic 164-146, diastolic 98-86) in hypertensive patients. Improved blood cholesterol levels also
occurred in one study, with a rise in HDL and a reduction in total cholesterol from 229.9 mg/dl to 213.3 mg/dl.18-22