CoQ10 Plucks Success from Heart Failure

CoQ10 (also known as Coenzyme Q10) is a highly popular supplement, especially favored by those with heart conditions. Let’s dig into the undisputed facts, unfulfilled hopes, and some exciting data surrounding CoQ10.

The Undisputed Facts:

• CoQ10 is a chemical the body needs to make energy
• Statins lower the level of CoQ10 in the blood
• CoQ10 levels are depleted from failing hearts

CoQ10 and Statins

Since statins lower the level of CoQ10, and CoQ10 is needed to make energy, it’s perfectly logical to suspect that the supplementation with CoQ10 could treat statin-related muscle aches. Despite the logic underlying this approach, several prior studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the impact of CoQ10 in patients with statin-associated side effects.

Nevertheless, in a grouping of 12 prior CoQ10 trials, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association in 2018, the summated findings did show that CoQ10 was beneficial in improving statin-associated muscle symptoms (Reference below).

When dealing with suspected statin-related muscle symptoms, many strategies can be considered in discussions with your physician, including lowering the dose of the statin, switching to a different statin, and/or adding CoQ10.  The risks of CoQ10 appear to be very small, but include the cost and bother of taking an added pill.

But there’s much more to the CoQ10 story. Read below for some exciting new data regarding heart failure.

CoQ10: Success with (Heart) Failure

There is a strong link between declining levels of CoQ10 in patients with heart failure and the severity of reduced pumping function and shortness of breath. A growing body of evidence has emerged showing the benefits of repleting depleted levels with supplemental CoQ10 in patients with heart failure.

One trial studied 420 patients with heart failure receiving the best conventional medical therapy: half were randomized to receive CoQ10 and half to placebo. Over 2 years of followup, those taking CoQ10 had 50% fewer major heart complications—including 43% fewer deaths. And this benefit came with no increase in side effects. In fact, there was a trend toward fewer side effects in the CoQ10 group than in those taking a placebo!

This finding is supported by a large review of 13 prior studies that showed an overall benefit in pumping ability of weak treated with CoQ10.

The CoQ10 story is a fascinating one and continues to evolve. If you feel that you might benefit from CoQ10, share this information with your healthcare provider. Please remember: always consult with your healthcare provider before changing your prescription medicine in any way or starting a new supplement.

References and Further Reading:

Statin Side-Effect Management Options

CoQ10 and Statin-Related Muscle Pain Study

CoQ10 and Heart Failure: A Randomized Study

CoQ10 and Heart Failure: Review Study