For some people, regulating their high blood pressure can be a real problem. Unfortunately, this means, many people take long-term medications to help control it. However, many studies are being conducted on different non-drug alternative remedies that may prove useful in reducing and controlling high blood pressure. One such remedy being studied is coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
What is CoQ10? CoQ10 is a coenzyme, which means that it is an enzyme with two parts. One part is a vitamin-like substance that is found in each cell in the body, and plays a vital role in the production of energy within every cell. CoQ10 is needed in order to maintain the health of cells, tissues and organs.
The second part is an enzyme, which means it is also required to facilitate numerous chemical reactions within the body and act as a catalyst to these reactions. CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant and is effective at destroying free radicals in the body.
CoQ10 is manufactured by the body. It is believed that the vitamins including vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, niacin, and folate, help the body convert tyrosine (an amino acid) into coenzyme Q10. Although it exists throughout the body, CoQ10 is stored in the heart, liver and kidneys, and the heart and liver contain the highest levels.
How does CoQ10 help lower blood pressure? Many people who have hypertension are deficient in Coenzyme Q10. Furthermore, they require increased tissues levels of CoQ10. The reason is because CoQ10 helps to prevent fatty acids from accumulating within the heart muscle and coverts them and other compounds into energy. Thus, it is believed that CoQ10 helps remaining muscle cells work more effectively.
A number of studies have discovered that when used as a supplement, CoQ10 has modest blood pressure lowering effects.
One 10 week study conducted on 10 participants with hypertension treated the participants with 100 mg of CoQ10 supplement once a day. When the study was complete, there was an average 10% drop in systolic pressure (161 mm HG to 142 mm Hg) and in the diastolic blood pressure (98 mm HG to 83 mm Hg). Improvement was even seen in the cholesterol levels of these same participants.
Another study examined the affect CoQ10 supplements would have on those who suffer from isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). This form of high blood pressure is the most common in America and is predominant in people older than 65. ISH is characterized by having a systolic blood pressure of more than 140 mm HG, and a normal diastolic blood pressure that is less than 90 mm Hg.
The 12 week study involved just over 80 participants with ISH. Half of the participants were given a placebo and the other half 60 mg of CoQ10 supplement to be taken twice a day. Throughout the entire study, each participant had their blood pressure checked twice per week. At the end of the study, it was found that on average those who took CoQ10 had an 18 mm Hg reduction (165 mm Hg to 147 mm Hg) in systolic pressure.
Most studies have found CoQ10 to be beneficial for some individuals with different forms of hypertension; however, although the findings are promising, CoQ10 usually doesn’t show much of an improvement until 4 – 12 weeks after treatment begins. Furthermore, it has yet to prove that it offers a significant benefit to most who suffer from hypertension. More studies still need to be conducted.
If you are interested in taking CoQ10 for lowering your blood pressure talk to your doctor.
By Paul Johnson. Sign up for a free newsletter & discover anti hypertension treatments. On the site you’ll also find more about the various hypertension symptom and how to lower blood pressure naturally.
