By Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.N., C.N.S., C.B.T.
For years, researchers and a few physicians have reported a strong correlation between coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency in heart cells and heart failure, as well cardiovascular benefits associated with supplementation of CoQ10. Many cardiologists and other conventionally trained physicians, though, have refused to acknowledge CoQ10’s role in the etiology and treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF), citing the absence of published longitudinal, observational studies relating CoQ10 levels to the outcome of CHF. However, in November 2008, New Zealand researchers published results of an on-point study in the American Journal of Cardiologythat could be just what the CoQ10 skeptics need to validate its medicinal use for CHF.
Through this study, the researchers concluded that CoQ10 is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with CHF, which means that regardless of other factors such as statin use, adequate CoQ10 supplementation can positively impact survival rates for CHF patients. For a median period of 2.7 years, the doctors monitored 236 patients with severe CHF symptoms (when admitted). Through measurements of plasma total CoQ10, the doctors demonstrated a positive relationship between higher CoQ10 levels and CHF survival rates. The researchers acknowledged CoQ10’s long-term contribution to heart function, regardless of the initial severity of CHF.
For more information, see the published study results.
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