Trial of Coenzyme Q10 in Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Trial of Coenzyme Q10 in Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Background. Increasing numbers of the adult population are using alternative or complementary health resources in the treatment of chronic medical conditions. Systemic hypertension affects more than 50 million adults and is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the antihypertensive effectiveness of oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), an over-the-counter nutritional supplement, in a cohort of 46 men and 37 women with isolated systolic hypertension.
Methods. We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with twice daily administration of 60 mg of oral CoQ and determination of plasma CoQ levels before and after the 12 weeks of treatment.
Results. The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of the CoQ-treated group was 17.8 ± 7.3 mm Hg (mean ± SEM). None of the patients exhibited orthostatic blood pressure changes.
Conclusions. Our results suggest CoQ may be safely offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option.
Systemic hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disorder in the United States, affecting more than 50 million adults. It remains one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting a disproportionate number of the elderly. Two thirds of hypertensive patients over age 65 have isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <90. Two large clinical trials confirmed that reducing SBP 20 mm Hg in patients over age 60 with ISH reduced the incidence of stroke, heart failure, and mortality. Using antihypertensive agents to treat elderly patients, however, can be problematic because of the increased incidence of postural hypotension in this group of patients, with consequent risk of falls and associated morbidity.
Coenzyme Q10 (2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6-decaprenyl benzoquinone), also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring fat soluble quinone ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and is available in the United States as an over-the-counter nutritional supplement. It has been used for 35 years as adjunctive therapy for various cardiovascular disorders. Several studies have reported oral CoQ to be an effective antihypertensive agent. However, previous studies have had methodologic problems, including small sample size, lack of controls, unblinded protocols, and the presence of comorbid conditions that may confound interpretation of results. In addition, oral CoQ is poorly absorbed, and few previous studies included determination of plasma levels. We undertook this study to assess the clinical usefulness of oral CoQ in the treatment of ISH in patients without comorbid conditions.
Background. Increasing numbers of the adult population are using alternative or complementary health resources in the treatment of chronic medical conditions. Systemic hypertension affects more than 50 million adults and is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the antihypertensive effectiveness of oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), an over-the-counter nutritional supplement, in a cohort of 46 men and 37 women with isolated systolic hypertension.
Methods. We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with twice daily administration of 60 mg of oral CoQ and determination of plasma CoQ levels before and after the 12 weeks of treatment.
Results. The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of the CoQ-treated group was 17.8 ± 7.3 mm Hg (mean ± SEM). None of the patients exhibited orthostatic blood pressure changes.
Conclusions. Our results suggest CoQ may be safely offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option.
Systemic hypertension is the most prevalent cardiovascular disorder in the United States, affecting more than 50 million adults. It remains one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, affecting a disproportionate number of the elderly. Two thirds of hypertensive patients over age 65 have isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) >140 with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) <90. Two large clinical trials confirmed that reducing SBP 20 mm Hg in patients over age 60 with ISH reduced the incidence of stroke, heart failure, and mortality. Using antihypertensive agents to treat elderly patients, however, can be problematic because of the increased incidence of postural hypotension in this group of patients, with consequent risk of falls and associated morbidity.
Coenzyme Q10 (2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6-decaprenyl benzoquinone), also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring fat soluble quinone ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and is available in the United States as an over-the-counter nutritional supplement. It has been used for 35 years as adjunctive therapy for various cardiovascular disorders. Several studies have reported oral CoQ to be an effective antihypertensive agent. However, previous studies have had methodologic problems, including small sample size, lack of controls, unblinded protocols, and the presence of comorbid conditions that may confound interpretation of results. In addition, oral CoQ is poorly absorbed, and few previous studies included determination of plasma levels. We undertook this study to assess the clinical usefulness of oral CoQ in the treatment of ISH in patients without comorbid conditions.
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