Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring compound crucial for numerous biological processes in the body, including energy metabolism and cell membrane formation. Researchers are studying the potential of coenzyme Q10 to treat several health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, or high blood pressure. Although several small clinical trials have investigated the effect of coenzyme Q10 on blood pressure, the data is still insufficient to provide conclusive results. As with any health supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking coenzyme Q10.
Effect on Blood Pressure
Several small clinical trials have evaluated the effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 in lowering blood pressure. Two of these studies found moderate decreases in blood pressure after treatment with coenzyme Q10, reports the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. In one study, patients with hypertension who took 120 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 per day for eight weeks saw a decrease in systolic blood pressure of twelve millimeters of mercury and a decrease in diastolic blood pressure of 6 millimeters of mercury, on average. In the other study, patients who took 120 milligrams of millimeters of mercury combined with 300 International Units of vitamin E per day for twelve weeks had a decrease in systolic blood pressure of seventeen millimeters of mercury, on average. However, these studies are too small to draw conclusive results, and additional research is required.
Interactions with Blood Pressure Medications
Because coenzyme Q10 can potentially lower blood pressure, coenzyme Q10 may enhance the effectiveness of hypertension medications. Clinical studies have found that coenzyme Q10 supplements reduced the amount of blood pressure medications needed by patients with hypertension, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. This result was found for several medications, including diltiazem, nitroglycerin, enalapril and metoprolol. If you are taking a blood pressure-lowering medication, you should consult your doctor before taking coenzyme Q10, because it may lower your blood pressure too much and cause health risks.
Patients with Low Blood Pressure
People who have problems with very low blood pressure should use caution with coenzyme Q10 supplements, because coenzyme Q10 may possibly cause already low blood pressure to decrease to dangerous levels. If you suffer from health problems that cause low blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before taking coenzyme Q10.
Medications that Lower Coenzyme Q10
Several medications can lower levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body. Popular cholestrol-lowering medications known as statins inhibit the synthesis of coenzyme Q10, and may decrease available coenzyme Q10 in the body. Taking coenzyme Q10 supplements while taking statins can prevent this effect. Certain blood pressure lowering medications known as beta-blockers and tricyclic antidepressants can also decrease levels of coenzyme Q10 in the body.
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