CoQ10: A Natural Blood Pressure Ally

 
Author: Ron Kennedy, M.D.

A compound called coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may also have far-reaching implications for cardiovascular health. CoQ10 is present in every cell in the body. It can be thought of as the “sparkplug” that fires up a cell’s engine. This coenzyme is highly concentrated in heart muscle cells and is also a powerful antioxidant that may bolster cell membranes, helping to support them and maintain their integrity.

Scientists have observed that individuals with cardiovascular challenges often have depleted levels of CoQ10 in the body.

In one 12-week, double-blind study of 83 men and women, CoQ10 appeared to support healthy blood pressure levels already within normal range in the majority of the participants.

Another eight-week study of 42 individuals also showed that CoQ10 may help maintain blood pressure and cholesterol levels already within normal range, support healthy blood flow, and defend cells against free radical assaults.

Of course, you may already be using other means of blood pressure support. If so, perhaps you’re wondering if you can still benefit from CoQ10. The results of an open trial of participants with cholesterol and blood pressure challenges suggest that you can. One group of subjects in the open trial received only CoQ10; the other received CoQ10 as well as traditional treatment. Both groups experienced benefits in their circulatory health, leading researchers to conclude that CoQ10 was supportive both by itself and in tandem with other methods.