Taking CoQ10 for hypertension is a potential method of lowering high blood pressure. CoQ10 will potentially benefit people who have tried medications that didn't alleviate their symptoms as well as those who want to avoid side effects from medications. Consistent high blood pressure or hypertension is a strong risk factor for heart disease.
Definition of Hypertension
Hypertension is defined as blood pressure greater than the normal range. Blood pressure is considered to be high when the measurement is more than 140 mm Hg over 90 mm Hg. Keeping blood pressure in a normal range is critical. A study in a 2000 issue of "Circulation" explains high blood pressure elevates cardiovascular disease risk for millions of people worldwide, and there is evidence that the problem is only getting worse.
Definition of CoQ10
CoQ10 is found in every cell of the body in the mitochondria. Energy production is its primary role, but it functions in other important ways as well. CoQ10 is important for muscle contraction and protein formation. As an antioxidant, it protects healthy cells from damage and destroys damaging molecules. Salmon, tuna, organ meats and whole grains are excellent sources of CoQ10. CoQ10 is also available in supplement form for people who do not consume dietary sources regularly. Taking CoQ10 under a doctor's supervision is recommended.
How CoQ10 Lowers Hypertension
Since CoQ10 has various functions in the body, it makes sense it would be able to affect hypertension in several ways. For example, some researchers think since CoQ10 is an antioxidant, it has the capability of destroying substances that prevent the blood vessels from relaxing, as described by a study in a 2009 issue of "Pharmacology and Therapeutics." The blood vessels need to relax to allow for easy blood flow, which decreases blood pressure. Another proposed mechanism is that CoQ10 decreases the viscosity of the blood. When the viscosity is lower, the blood flows with ease though the vessels thus decreasing blood pressure. CoQ10 may potentially widen blood vessels. When this occurs, the blood has more area to flow through without restriction, which is another avenue for lowering blood pressure.
Research on Hypertension and CoQ10
A review of studies assessed the effectiveness of CoQ10 on hypertension in the April 2007 issue of "Journal of Human Hypertension." It appeared on average CoQ10 was able to decrease systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and decrease diastolic blood pressure up to 10 mm Hg. This study reviewed 12 clinical trials. Another study in the December 2008 issue of "Biofactors" assessed studies that had used CoQ10 for hypertension. CoQ10 was able to lower systolic blood pressure by 16 mm Hg while diastolic was lowered by 10 mm Hg. The researchers concluded that CoQ10 could be used as an adjunct to hypertension medications or as an alternative to conventional treatment modalities.
References
- "Circulation"; Essential Hypertension; Oscar A. Carretero, MD, et al.;2000
- "Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Role of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in Cardiac Disease, Hypertension and Meniere-like Syndrome; Adarsh Kumar, et al.; 2009
- "Journal of Human Hypertension"; Coenzyme Q10 in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Trials; F. Rosenfeldt, et al.; 2007
- "Biofactors"; Systematic Review of Effect of Coenzyme Q10 in Physical Exercise, Hypertension and Heart Failure; Franklin Rosenfeldt, et al.; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
