The
term cardiovascular disease (CVD) refers to all heart disease,
cerebrovascular disease, and diseases of the arteries, arterioles, and
capillaries. According to the Australian Institute of Health and
Welfare, around 3.67 million Australians are affected by heart, stroke
and vascular disease. In 2002, these conditions accounted for more than
50,000 deaths (37.6% of all deaths).
CoQ10 is a compound naturally occurring in the human body. Even though the nutrient can be synthesised in vivo, situations may arise in which the body cannot produce sufficient quantities to meet the body's needs. Moreover, endogenous synthesis declines progressively as we age, starting after the age of 20.
CoQ10 deficiency has been documented in patients with various types of cardiovascular disease:
Cardiomyopathy
Patients with cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart) are often deficient in CoQ10. Studies show that oral supplementation with this nutrient may lead to extraordinary clinical improvements in these patients, including increased tolerance for physical activity and extended life expectancy.
Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
CoQ10 is a critical adjuvant therapy for patients with CHF, even when conventional medical therapy is successful. Adjunctive therapy with CoQ10 may allow for a reduction of other pharmacological therapies, improvement in quality of life, and a decrease in the incidence of cardiac complications. Reduced hospitalization rate for worsening of heart failure has also been reported.
Ischaemic Damage Due to Myocardial Infarction or Cardiac Surgery
The supply of oxygen to the heart may be reduced as the result of myocardial infarction (heart attack) or following cardiac surgery. When the oxygen supply is restored (reperfusion), increased generation of free radicals is though to be an important contributor to myocardial damage.
Studies have demonstrated that pretreatment with CoQ10 may decrease myocardial damage due to ischemic-reperfusion. According to Australian researchers, oral CoQ10 therapy before cardiac surgery also improves efficiency of mitochondrial energy production, improves post-operative heart function, and shortens hospital stay.
Angina Pectoris
Ischaemia of the myocardium may also lead to angina pectoris (:chest pain"). Patients receiving 150mg CoQ10 daily for four weeks showed a reduced frequency of anginal episodes by more than half, increased tolerance for exercise, and reduced need for nitroglycerin tablets.
Hypertension
CoQ10 is thought to reduce elevated blood pressure by normalisation of peripheral resistance. Because it is involved in correcting metabolic abnormalities that are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, effects on blood pressure may not be seen until after 4-12 weeks of therapy.
Effective dosage used in clinical trials range from 100mg to more than 200mg daily. In one study, concomitant use of CoQ10 with anti-hypertensive drugs allowed 51% of patients to discontinue between one and three drugs.
Dr. Hooper's Comment
All patients with cardiovascular disease, especially if you are on Statin Drugs, should consider the use of Co Enzyme Q10.
All Statin drugs leech out CoQ10 from your body. A fact the drug companies forget to tell you.
I believe that an integral part of the management of all patients with cardiovascular problems needs to include the basic building blocks of a great multimineral, a fish oil, increased magnesium and a high quality C0Q10 supplement.
So if you have cardiovascular disease, you have hypertension (high blood pressure), or are on any blood pressure medication here are a few things you need to consider:
- Use a quality multimineral and multivitamin.
I believe that you should eat well and supplement well. Mineral
deficiencies are a big issue for cardiac patients. Ensure that you are
getting that basic nutritional building blocks essential for good
health.
- Use a quality fish oil
. According the study; 'EPA, at a dose of 1800 mg per day, is a very
promising regimen for prevention of major coronary events'. That is;
the use of quality fish oil will help reduce your chance of a heart
attack.
If you are unsure about the levels of essential fatty acids you require, The Spinal Centre can measure it for you with the Essential Fatty Acid Test. This Essential Fatty Acid test will measure all the many types of fatty acid levels within your body and provide us with the indicators for the exact levels you require. - Use a good source of Coenzyme Q10.
Statin drugs dangerously reduce the amount of Coenzyme Q10 within the
body. If you take a statin drug you MUST supplement with CoQ10.
- A brand new Coenzyme Q10 supplement has just been released. Eagle Pharmaceuticals Q10 150 is an affordable way to keep up your supplementation without breaking the bank. Taking one tablet per day, Eagle Pharmaceuticals Q10 150 works out at only 55 cents a day - much cheaper than ever before.
- Supplement with Magnesium.
Magnesium is important in helping muscle tissue repair. High dose
magnesium will also reduce muscular pains and discomfort. Magnesium
will also assist in irregular heart beat and tachycardia.
- Modify your diet as outlined in the Health Promoting Nutrition.
There is more to maintaining a health heart than eating low fat
margarine (don't do it) and weight watchers desert (full of
preservatives). Take time to read about correct nutritional strategies
under the Wellness Program.
- If you are really concerned about your health and you wish to have
a comprehensive metabolic and nutritional evaluation consider the Spinal Centre Optimal Nutritional Evaluation (ONE).
The ONE test provides a incredibly precise, scientific evaluation of
your individual nutritional requirements determining your specific
needs for all vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and amino acids. It is
a great way to see if your diet (or supplement and natural medicine
intake) is appropriate for your health condition or illness. And to
ensure better health in the future based on a scientific approach.
