Coenzyme Q10 as Adjunctive Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease and Hypertension: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production requires a small electron carrier, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which has been used as adjunctive therapy in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and hypertension because of its bioenergetics and antioxidant properties. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) beyond the last two decades evaluating CoQ10 added to conventional therapy resulted in mixed results and were underpowered to address major clinical endpoints.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this systematic review was to examine the impact of CoQ10 supplementation on older adults with CVD or hypertension in the last two decades (2000-2020).

METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Database, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases were searched systematically, as well as manual review of references from selected studies, to identify RCTs or cross-over studies evaluating the efficacy of CoQ10 supplementation. Data extracted from selected studies include trial design and duration, treatment, dose, participant characteristics, study variables, and important findings.

RESULTS: A total of 14 studies (1067 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The effect of CoQ10 supplementation was examined among predominantly older adult males with heart failure (n = 6), hypertension (n = 4), ischemic heart disease (n = 3), and preoperatively in patients scheduled for cardiac surgery (n = 1). CoQ10 supplementation in patients with heart failure improved functional capacity, increased CoQ10 serum levels, and led to fewer major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). CoQ10 had positive quantifiable effects on inflammatory markers in patients with ischemic heart disease. Myocardial hemodynamics improved in patients who received CoQ10 supplementation prior to cardiac surgery. Effects on hypertension were inconclusive.

CONCLUSION: In predominantly older adult males with CVD or hypertension, CoQ10 supplementation added to conventional therapy is safe and offers benefits clinically and at the cellular level. However, results of the trials need to be viewed with caution, and further studies are indicated before wide spread usage of CoQ10 is recommended in all older adults.