Japanese researchers in the 1960's and 70's completed 25 studies and 2 large double-blind trials that showed improvement in 70% of cardiac patients. By the late 80's, more than 10 million Japanese were taking Co-Q10 as a prescription drug for cardiac problems. Fortunately, here in the U.S., it's available in nutrition stores since it does not act like a drug, but like a vitamin. In fact, it's sometimes referred to as vitamin Q.
Co-Q10
therapy improves cardiac function only when the Co-Q10 levels of the heart is low. There is little benefit if you already have high levels of this enzyme. If you have heart problems or a family history, deciding whether or not to take Co-Q10 is rather easy. I say emphatically, "yes!" In one study 91% of the patients showed improvement within 30 days of taking Co-Q10. I've been to lectures by a preeminent cardiologist from the New England Heart Center and he personally takes 180 mg daily as a heart protective dose. For serious heart problems he gradually builds his patients up to 300-400 mg daily.
But the questions still remains, "if I don't have heart problems, do I need it?" As we age, there is a higher probability of having low levels of Co-Q10. I would recommend for preventive maintenance taking 60-100 mg daily for someone without a specific problem.
Co-Q10
has also been shown to be of considerable benefit in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. Of course, there are other great supplements for the heart that can protect you such as vitamin E, natural beta-carotene, vitamin C due to its effect on lipoprotein(a), L-carnitine, magnesium, B-6, folic acid, niacin, lecithin, calcium and magnesium in proper ratios, herbs like hawthorne berry or cayenne and the good omega oils. You can read all about these in my newly revised book, Aging Without Growing Old.
