The role of CoQ10 in cardiovascular disease
Today’s supplements spotlight is CoQ10. This supplement is extremely important for converting carbohydrates and fats into energy. It is found in every cell of the body. It is a powerful antioxidant protecting all cells and DNA from free radical damage which can lead to mutations and early cell death. It can be found in salmon, tuna, and whole grains.
CoQ10 and cholesterol are produced in the liver. Anything that the body produces-the body needs. Statin drugs which are prescribed to reduce cholesterol also reduces the production of CoQ10. It is an interesting relationship. The Framingham studies are the central and most important studies of cholesterol in relation to coronary artery disease. These studies are now in the third generation of patients. In the initial stages, high dosages of statins were given to patients. This resulted in congestive heart failure in a significant population that were studied. The underlying cause was that these patients were deficient in CoQ10 which is necessary for strong heart contraction. These patients also had a high inflammatory profile, in which a new test was developed called CRP, C reactive protein, which originally was used as an inflammatory marker for cardiovascular disease. It is now used as part of a panel for systemic inflammation.
The decrease of CoQ10, an antioxidant, leads to inflammation as well as weak cardiac muscles all leading to congestive heart failure and a possibly increase in cardiovascular disease. Coincidently, statin drugs are also an anti-inflammatory, and some researchers believe that the benefit from these drugs is due to the anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Over the years the laboratory normal for total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL have all decreased leading to more prescriptions of statin drugs. If your primary care doctor or cardiologist prescribes a statin drug, make sure that you take a high quality CoQ10 supplement. This has been a common practice in Europe for many years.
Cholesterol is not the villain of cardiovascular disease. It is inflammation that changes the structure of cholesterol which then attaches to the surface of arterials of the heart. Remember what the body produces-the body needs. Cholesterol is needed for, brain and central nervous system function, as well as the production of sex hormones, in addition to energy production and many other functions.
All of this does not mean we should ditch the use of statin drugs. What it does mean is that we need a close look at risk versus benefit which will involve more of an understanding of cholesterol, CoQ10, and cardiovascular disease.
On a final note, the major side effects of statin drugs is muscular pain. This is due to deficiency in CoQ10 which decreases the produces energy needed for muscular contraction.
I recommend Metagenics CoQ10 for its high quality and easy absorption, you can find it through my website store. robertromanelli.com
