Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of coenzyme Q10 in isolated systolic hypertension.
BACKGROUND
Increasing numbers of the adult population are using alternative or complementary health resources in the treatment of chronic medical conditions. Systemic hypertension affects more than 50 million adults and is one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the antihypertensive effectiveness of oral coenzyme Q10 (CoQ), an over-the-counter nutritional supplement, in a cohort of 46 men and 37 women with isolated systolic hypertension.


METHODS
We conducted a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with twice daily administration of 60 mg of oral CoQ and determination of plasma CoQ levels before and after the 12 weeks of treatment.


RESULTS
The mean reduction in systolic blood pressure of the CoQ-treated group was 17.8 +/- 7.3 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM). None of the patients exhibited orthostatic blood pressure changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest CoQ may be safely offered to hypertensive patients as an alternative treatment option.
Burke
B E
BE
Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Boise, Idaho 83702, USA.
Neuenschwander
R
R
Olson
R D
RD
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003067:Coenzymes; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014451:Ubiquinone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000975:Antioxidants; D003067:Coenzymes; D014451:Ubiquinone; C024989:coenzyme Q10