Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a dangerous medical condition that can cause heart disease, kidney disease or stroke. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, hypertension often has no symptoms. Therefore, many people are unaware they suffer from hypertension and let it go untreated, leading to complications. However, if hypertension is diagnosed, there are steps you can take to help treat it. Certain lifestyle changes can improve hypertension, but medications and supplements might be helpful too. One potentially helpful substance is an enzyme called coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10.
Step 1
Discuss the possibility of taking CoQ10 with your physician. Although CoQ10 is present in certain foods and is safe in its natural food form, CoQ10 supplements could cause negative side effects or drug interactions for some people. Also, there is currently no universally agreed-upon optimal dosage for CoQ10. It's important to get your physician's advice before trying CoQ10 for hypertension.
Step 2
Increase your intake of high-CoQ10 foods. Most people obtain adequate levels of CoQ10 through a balanced diet, but those with medical conditions might require a more conscious effort to consume more of this enzyme. Foods high in CoQ10 include salmon, tuna, liver and whole grains. Add additional servings of these foods to your diet to increase your CoQ10 level.
Step 3
Take a CoQ10 supplement. If you and your physician determine that your hypertension might benefit from more CoQ10 than you can obtain via your diet, supplements might be helpful. CoQ10 is available in capsule and tablet forms at nutrition and health-food stores. Follow your physician's recommendations for proper dosing.
Things You'll Need
- CoQ10-rich foods such as fatty fish, whole grains and meats
- CoQ10 supplements
