The term "heart disease" refers to several types of heart conditions. Coronary artery disease is a common type of heart disease that can cause heart attack, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Coronary heart disease occurs when cholesterol deposits, called plaques, build up inside the walls of your arteries. This narrows your arteries and can cause chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue, as well as leading to heart attack and stroke. Antioxidants, such as CoQ10 may reduce some of the symptoms related to heart disease. You should only take these supplements under the supervision of your doctor.
How CoQ10 Works
The body naturally produces CoQ10; it carries the electrons back and forth between enzymes in the production of a molecule called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. ATP serves as the cell's major source of energy. The heart needs ATP to carry out its powerful functions. CoQ10 also works as antioxidant, a substance that may protect your cells against the effects of damaging compounds in the body. Scientists think that the beneficial effect of CoQ10 in the prevention and treatment of heart disease is due to its ability to boost the heart's energy levels and act as an antioxidant, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Research
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in one clinical study, participants who received CoQ10 supplements during 3 days following a heart attack were significantly less likely to experience subsequent heart attacks and chest pain. According to researchers, these same patients were less likely to die of heart disease than those who did not receive the coenzyme Q10 supplements.
Food Sources
CoQ10 deficiency is common in patients with heart disease, according to UMMC. Some CoQ10 is made in the body, but most of it has to come from the food you eat. The major dietary sources of CoQ10 include meat -- especially beef and pork hearts and poultry. Other good sources of CoQ10 include fish, nuts, eggs, dairy products, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
Side Effects
A study published in the June 2007 "Mitochondrion" found that coenzyme Q10 does not cause any serious side effects in people with cardiovascular disease. According to researchers, CoQ10 is a safe adjunct to standard therapies in cardiovascular disease. However, according to American Heart Association, the safety and effectiveness of CoQ10 needs further evaluation. Always consult your doctor before taking CoQ10 supplements for heart disease.
References
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: Coronary Artery Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Coenzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 20, 2009
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey: CoQ10
- "Mitochondrion"; Coenzyme Q10 in Cardiovascular Disease; S. Pepe et al.; June 2007
- American Heart Association: Coenzyme Q10
