Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) and heart health

Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) and heart health: Comprehensive review

Determination of coenzyme Q10 and its role in the body

Coenzym Q10 (COQ10), also known as Kilikhinon, is a fat -soluble substance produced by the body and necessary for the functioning of cells. “Kilikhinon” literally means “ubiquitous chinon”, reflecting the widespread distribution of COQ10 in living organisms. It plays a crucial role in mitochondria, “energy stations” of cells where it is involved in the process of oxidative phosphorylation, converting energy from food into a form that cells can use (adenosineenrphosphate or ATP).

COQ10 functions as a carrier of electrons in the respiratory chain of mitochondria, ensuring the efficient production of ATP. Without a sufficient amount of COQ10, the energy production process slows down, which can lead to various health problems, especially in tissues with high energy needs, such as the heart, brain and muscles.

In addition to its role in the production of energy, CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant. It protects cells from damage by free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage DNA, lipids and proteins, contributing to aging and the development of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. COQ10 neutralizes free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and maintaining the integrity of cellular structures.

In the COQ10 body, exists in two main forms: Kilikhinon and Kilikhinol. Kilikhinon is an oxidized form, and Kilikhinol is a restored, antioxidant form. The body is able to convert one form into another as necessary. With age, the body’s ability to synthesize and transform COQ10 is reduced, which leads to the lower levels of Kilikhinol, an active antioxidant form. This age -related COQ10 decrease can help increase the risk of age -related diseases.

COOD-AUSUSION SYSTEM: COQ10 Value

The cardiovascular system, consisting of the heart and blood vessels, provides all tissues and organs of the body with oxygen and nutrients. The heart, like a muscle pump, is constantly working, requiring a large amount of energy. Therefore, the heart contains a high concentration of COQ10, which indicates its importance for the heart function.

COQ10 plays several key roles in maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system:

1. Energy production in the heart muscle: The heart muscle (myocardial) needs continuous energy to ensure effective reduction and pumping of blood. COQ10 ensures the effective production of ATP in mitochondria of cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells). A sufficient level of COQ10 helps to maintain strong and effective heart contraction, improving cardiac output and blood circulation. COQ10 deficiency can weaken the heart muscle, leading to heart failure and other heart disease.

2. Antioxidant protection of the cardiovascular system: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis (arteries hardening) and coronary heart disease. COQ10, as a powerful antioxidant, helps to protect lipids (including LDL cholesterol), proteins and DNA in the cardiovascular system from damage by free radicals. This helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key factor in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Protecting the cells of the heart muscle and endothelial cells (cells lining blood vessels) from oxidative damage, COQ10 helps to maintain a healthy function of blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart disease.

3. Endothelial function support: Endothelium, a single -layer membrane of cells, lining the inner surface of the blood vessels, plays a decisive role in the regulation of blood vessels, blood coagulation and inflammation. The dysfunction of the endothelium, characterized by a violation of the ability of blood vessels to expand and relax, is an early sign of cardiovascular diseases. COQ10 helps to improve the endothelial function, increasing the availability of nitrogen oxide (NO), an important vasodilator (a substance that expands blood vessels). This helps to improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots.

4. Anti -inflammatory action: Inflammation plays an important role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. COQ10 has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the level of inflammatory markers in the body, such as C-reactive protein (SRB) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Reducing inflammation, COQ10 helps to protect the cardiovascular system from damage and reduces the risk of heart disease.

5. Regulation of blood pressure: Some studies show that COQ10 can help reduce blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension (high blood pressure). The exact mechanisms with which COQ10 reduces blood pressure is not fully studied, but probably include an improvement in endothelial function, a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as an improvement in the function of mitochondria.

COQ10 and specific cardiovascular diseases

COQ10 was investigated in the context of various cardiovascular diseases, and the results obtained indicate its potential benefits as a complement to traditional treatment methods.

• Heart failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart cannot effectively pump blood to meet the needs of the body. This is often due to the weakening of the heart muscle and a decrease in energy production. Several clinical trials showed that COQ10 additives can improve heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue and edema, as well as increase physical exertion tolerance. COQ10 helps to improve the function of mitochondria in cardiomyocytes, increasing energy production and maintaining the contractile ability of the heart. In addition, its antioxidant properties help protect the heart muscle from further damage. The Q-Symbio study, a large randomized controlled study showed that COQ10 additives significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including hospitalization for heart failure and mortality from all causes, in patients with chronic heart failure.

• Corny heart (coronary heart disease): IBS, also known as coronary heart disease, occurs when coronary arteries supplying the heart with blood become narrowed or blocked due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. This can lead to angina pectoris (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack). COQ10 can help in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, protecting LDL cholesterol from oxidation, improving the endothelial function and reducing inflammation. Some studies show that COQ10 additives can reduce the frequency of angina attacks and improve physical activity tolerance in people with coronary heart disease. In addition, COQ10 can help protect the heart from damage during ischemia (lack of blood supply) and reperfusion (restoration of blood supply), which may occur during a heart attack.

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): Hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart failure and renal failure. As mentioned earlier, COQ10 can help reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. The meta analysis of several clinical tests showed that COQ10 additives can significantly reduce both systolic (upper number) and diastolic (lower number) blood pressure. Although COQ10 should not be used as a replacement for traditional drugs for blood pressure, it can be a useful addition to the treatment of hypertension, especially in people with mild and moderate hypertension.

• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a disease in which the heart muscle becomes thickened, rigid or enlarged, which makes it difficult to pump blood with a heart. COQ10 can help improve the function of the heart and reduce the symptoms of cardiomyopathy, improving energy production in the heart muscle and protecting it from oxidative damage. Some studies have shown that COQ10 additives can improve the left ventricular emission fraction (an indicator of how well the heart pumps blood) in people with cardiomyopathy.

• Statins and COQ10: Statins are drugs widely used to reduce LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, statins also inhibit the production of COQ10 in the body. This can lead to a decrease in the COQ10 level, which can contribute to side effects associated with statins, such as muscle pain (myalgia) and fatigue. Some studies show that COQ10 additives can help facilitate myalgia associated with statins and improve overall well -being in people taking statins. Although additional studies are needed, many doctors recommend that people who take statins consider COQ10 additives to maintain a healthy COQ10 level and reduce the risk of side effects.

COQ10 sources and additives

The body synthesizes COQ10, but its production decreases with age and can be disturbed by some diseases and drugs. COQ10 can also be obtained from the diet, although food sources usually contain a relatively small amount of COQ10.

• Food sources: Good food sources COQ10 include:

  • Organs (for example, heart, liver, kidneys)
  • Fat fish (for example, salmon, tuna, sardines)
  • Meat (for example, beef, pork, chicken)
  • Vegetable oils (for example, soy oil, rapeseed oil)
  • Nuts and seeds (for example, peanuts, pistachios, sesame seeds)
  • Vegetables (for example, broccoli, spinach, colored cabbage)

  Although these products contain COQ10, the amount of COQ10 obtained only from a diet is often not enough for a significant increase in the COQ10 level in the body, especially in people with COQ10 deficiency or those who take medications that reduce the COQ10 level.

• COQ10 additives: COQ10 additives are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, soft gels and liquids. There are two main forms of COQ10 in addition: Kilikhinon and Kilikhinol. Kilikhinol is considered more bioavailable than Kilikhinon, which means that it is easier to digest and is used by the body. However, Kilikhinol is usually more expensive than Kilikhinon.

  When choosing a COQ10 additive, it is important to consider the following factors to consider:

  • Form: Consider the possibility of choosing a Kilikhinol if you have problems with assimilation, or if you are older.
  • Dosage: Typical COQ10 doses vary from 30 mg to 200 mg per day, but some people may need higher doses under the guidance of a doctor.
  • Quality: Choose additives from reliable manufacturers that have passed third -party tests to ensure quality and cleanliness.
  • Absorption: COQ10 is a fat -soluble substance, so it is best taken with food containing fats to improve absorption.
  • Medicine compatibility: Consult your doctor before taking COQ10 additives, especially if you take any medicine, since CoQ10 can interact with some medicines such as blood liquefiners and blood pressure.

Safety and side effects COQ10

COQ10, as a rule, is considered safe for most people, especially when taking the recommended doses. Side effects are rare and usually light. Possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Skin rash

In rare cases, COQ10 can increase the level of liver enzymes. People with liver diseases should consult their doctor before taking COQ10 additives.

COQ10 can interact with some drugs, including:

• Warfarin (sandin): COQ10 can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin, blood thinner. People taking warfarin should carefully monitor blood coagulation if they begin to take COQ10.
• Blood pressure medicines: COQ10 can enhance the effect of drugs for blood pressure, which can lead to too low blood pressure. People taking medications for blood pressure should regularly control their blood pressure when taking COQ10.
• Chemotherapeutic drugs: COQ10 can interact with some chemotherapeutic drugs. People undergoing chemotherapy should consult their doctor before taking the COQ10 additives.

Pregnant and nursing women should consult your doctor before taking COQ10 additives, since the safety of COQ10 in these populations is not sufficiently studied.

Optimization of heart health using COQ10

COQ10 can be a valuable tool for maintaining heart health, but it is important to understand that it is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle and traditional treatment methods. Here are some tips to optimize the health of the heart with COQ10:

1. Healthy diet: Adhere to diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Limit the consumption of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars.

2. Regular physical exercises: Try to devote at least 150 minutes a week moderate aerobic exercises or 75 minutes a week with energetic aerobic exercises.

3. Maintaining a healthy weight: Strive for a healthy body mass index (BMI) and the circumference of the waist.

4. Refusal of smoking: Smoking is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. If you smoke, quit smoking.

5. Reducing stress: Practice stress management methods such as yoga, meditation or time spent in nature.

6. Regular examinations: Visit your doctor for regular examinations and screening for risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

7. Discuss COQ10 additives with your doctor: If you think that COQ10 additives can be useful for you, talk with your doctor to determine whether they are suitable for you and which dose should be taken.

Future research and prospects

COQ10 studies and heart health are ongoing, and future research can provide even more information about its potential benefits. Some areas of particular interest for future research include:

• Optimal dosage and form COQ10 for various cardiovascular diseases
• Long-term effects of COQ10 additives for cardiovascular events and mortality
• The role of COQ10 in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in healthy people
• COQ10 interaction with other drugs and additives
• Genetic factors affecting the response to COQ10 additives

As the scientific knowledge about COQ10 develops, it can become an even more important tool for maintaining the health of the cardiovascular system and the prevention of cardiac diseases.

The importance of consulting with a health specialist

The information presented in this article is intended only for information purposes and should not be considered as a replacement for a professional medical consultation. Always consult your doctor or other qualified medical worker before starting or changing any treatment methods, including COQ10 additives. Your doctor can evaluate your individual health status, consider any drugs that you take, and give you the best recommendations based on your specific needs. Self -medication can be dangerous and can lead to adverse health consequences.