Cholesterol & CoQ10

Most people who are concerned about heart health already know about the two “faces” of cholesterol, a lipoprotein or fatty protein compound that is present in our bodies. The “good cholesterol”, called HDL (high density lipoprotein), supports health in many ways, but high levels of “bad cholesterol”, LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. LDL cholesterol is thought to irritate the lining of blood vessels and contribute to the build-up of plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis, commonly called “hardening of the arteries”. 
 
According to Canada’s Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, “cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) is the leading cause of death of over one-third of Canadians. It not only affects the elderly but is also the third leading cause of premature death under age 75. As the number of elderly in Canada increases, there has been an increase in the number of deaths due to stroke and ischemic heart disease. This trend is expected to continue for the next fifteen years.”
 
Heart disease is a major concern for millions of North Americans and “high cholesterol” has been identified as a contributing factor. Currently cholesterol-lowering statin medications are among the most prescribed drugs in the world. However, people of all ages are seeking alternative, natural preventive measures and treatments. While many people are affected by high cholesterol levels, statin drugs are not the only answer. 
 
Fish and flaxseed oils, antioxidant foods and supplements, eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole-grain foods and plant sterols can greatly improve one’s cholesterol balance and overall health. It is also very important to increase intake of a unique nutrient called Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10.
 
Essential for the health of every living cell, coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance that helps produce energy at the cellular level. CoQ10 also enhances immunity and is a potent antioxidant , protecting cells from free radical damage. Ironically, depletion of CoQ10 caused by statin drugs reduces the body’s ability to improve cholesterol balance naturally ! Statin s work by interfering with an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that the body uses to manufacture cholesterol. Unfortunately statins also block production of CoQ10, reducing CoQ10 levels by as much as 50 percent within 30 days. According to Health Canada’s adverse drug reaction database, more than 1,000 serious side-effects related to statins have been reported in Canada in the last 15 years.
 
CoEnzyme Q10 is important for heart health, cellular energy production and a healthy balance of cholesterol. Anyone using statin drugs for cholesterol management should ask their physician about supplementing with CoQ10, as statin medications, and aging, reduce our bodies’ ability to produce CoQ10. There are many different potencies of CoQ10 available. 
 
Anyone concerned about heart health, or using statin medications, should also supplement with 100mg or 200mg CoQ10 in softgel capsules to counteract the effects described above. Supplementing with high potency CoQ10 (100 to 200mg, 2 to 3 times daily) can prevent a statin-related CoQ10 deficiency without interfering with the drugs’ therapeutic effects. In fact, research by Dr. Peter H. Langsjoen shows that statin-related adverse effects can be improved with use of supplemental CoQ10.
 
NOTE: Any change in medication use should be done only after consultation with your health practitioner.