Coenzyme Q10 remarkably improves function in the arteries of the heart in coronary heart disease patients

Coronary heart disease (CHD) which is also known as coronary artery disease the arteries inside the heart become clogged and narrowed. It causes heart attacks, sudden cardiac death (or a heart seizure), heart failure, and unstable angina. CHD is the leading cause of death in America for both men and women. One of the hallmarks of CHD is a decrease in antioxidant activity in the lining of the damaged blood vessels with a decrease in protective SOD activity. SOD is a major antioxidant in blood vessel walls.

In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial patients with CHD were split into two groups. One group received 100mg of Coenzyme Q 10 three times a day for one month and the other received inactive placebo. The Coenzyme Q10 boosted the amount of SOD in the lining of the hearts arteries. The supplement also improved the function of the endothelial lining of these blood vessels; a very important finding allowing the blood vessels to relax and open (vasodilation). This greatly attenuated the dysfunction of these crucial arteries and increased the flow of blood and the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. The study is published on-line ahead of print in the July 2007 edition of the European Heart Journal.