Cholesterol, High Cholesterol

Yalcin et al. indicated that a relation between low plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) concentration and coronary artery disease (CAD) exists, and CoQ10 concentrations in patients with CAD was different from healthy individuals (0.41 vs. 0.77 micromol/L, respectively) (15). Additionally, compared to healthy individuals, patients with CAD had a significantly lower ratio of CoQ10 to low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p < 0.01) (93).

Based on a review of published studies on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for hypertension researchers found that CoQ10 lowered systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg. Additionally, CoQ10 doses have increased from 34 mg/day in the early trials to 225 mg/day in the later ones. In a large study, control of blood pressure was achieved gradually over many months and required different doses based on the patient that ranged from 75–360 mg/day to attain a therapeutic blood level of CoQ10 (>2.0  g/ml).  Since absorption of CoQ10 varies with the preparation used and patient response varies, monitoring CoQ10 levels in the blood to guide dosage is desirable. Another factor complicating CoQ10 therapy is the use of statins which are a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels. Statins inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and CoQ10 through the same mechanism. In conclusion, CoQ10 lowers blood pressure and optimal dose can be patient dependent. (89)