CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, is a compound that the body makes; it plays a role in cell growth and maintenance. It also functions as an antioxidant, by protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. CoQ10 supplements are taken for many conditions including fatigue, cancer, insomnia and heart disease. Some patients also take it to help control blood pressure; however, like all supplements there can be side effects and interactions with other medications. Only use CoQ10 under medical supervision.
Blood Pressure
As blood is pumped through the body, it exerts a force against the blood vessel walls; the amount of force it creates is measured by taking your blood pressure. Blood pressure is recorded as a fraction and the top, or systolic, number represents the force created when the heart is contracting. The bottom, or diastolic, number represents the force created when the heart is at rest. When your blood pressure gets too high, it means that your heart muscle is working harder than normal. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems. To prevent complications you want to keep your blood pressure at 120/80 or less, which requires healthy lifestyle choices and in some cases medication.
CoQ10
CoQ10, a vitamin-like substance, is found in high concentrations within the heart muscle cells to help provide these cells with energy. While the exact mechanisms of CoQ10 are not well understood, a deficiency appears to be linked to the development of congestive heart failure, which is accompanied by low blood pressure, reports the University of Washington. In the case of congestive heart failure, your blood pressure drops because the heart muscle is no longer strong enough to pump the amount of blood the body needs to function properly. Managing congestive heart failure requires a multidisciplinary approach and since each case is different, it is important to speak with your physician to see if taking CoQ10 is right for you.
Effectiveness
If your body is not able to properly synthesize CoQ10, you do not get enough CoQ10 through your diet, or your body tends to use high amounts of CoQ10, you may develop a deficiency. Good sources of CoQ10 are organ meats, beef, soybean oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts. While low levels of this enzyme are linked to low blood pressure and heart failure in some patients, in others, a deficiency leads to high blood pressure, notes MayoClinic.com. All forms of heart disease are serious and require proper evaluation and treatment. If you decide to take CoQ10, your doctor will need to monitor your condition to see how your body is responding.
Dosing and Safety
Taking CoQ10 may indirectly help lower blood pressure due to its antioxidant properties. Free radicals can cause damage to the blood vessels, which in turn may contribute to high blood pressure. Since research is limited, the role that CoQ10 plays in controlling blood pressure is still not clear. However, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, in some patients, CoQ10 can lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by 10 mm Hg after taking it for 4 to 12 weeks. A general recommendation is to take 30 to 200 mg daily; however, it should only be used under a doctors care, as it can interact with herbal supplements and over-the-counter or prescription medications.
References
- Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; What Is High Blood Pressure?; April 2011
- University of Washington: Introduction to CoQ10; Peter H. Langsjoen, M.D., F.A.C.C.
- MayoClinic.com; Coenzyme Q10 Evidence; April 1, 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Coenzyme Q10; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 20, 2009
