The Clinical and Hemodynamic Effects of
Coenzyme Q10 in Congestive Cardiomyopathy

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   Am J Ther 1997 (Feb-Mar); 4 (2-3): 66–72

Sacher HL, Sacher ML, Landau SW, Kersten R, Dooley F,
Sacher A, Sacher M, Dietrick K, Ichkhan K

Departments of Internal Medicine and Cardiology,
Massapequa General Hospital,
Seaford, NY, USA

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Despite major advances in treatment congestive heart failure (CHF) is still one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Coenzyme Q(10) is a naturally occurring substance that has antioxidant and membrane stabilizing properties. Administration of coenzyme Q(10) in conjunction with standard medical therapy has been reported to augment myocardial kinetics, increase cardiac output, elevate the ischemic threshold, and enhance functional capacity in patients with congestive heart failure. The aim of this study was to investigate some of these claims. Seventeen patients (mean New York Heart Association functional class 3.0 +/- 0.4) were enrolled in an open-label study. After 4 months of coenzyme Q ( 10 ) therapy, functional class improved 20% (3.0 +/- 0.4 to 2.4 +/- 0.6, p < 0.001) and there was a 27% improvement in mean CHF score (2.8 +/- 0.4 to 2.2 +/- 0.4, p < 0.001). Percent change in the resting variables included the following: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), +34.8%; cardiac output, +15.7%; stroke volume index, +18.9%; end-diastolic volume area, -8.4%; systolic blood pressure (SBP), -4. 4%; and E (max), (SBP / end-systolic volume index [ESVI]) +11.7%. MVo ( 2 ) decreased by 5.3% (31.9 +/- 2.6 to 30.2 +/- 2.4, p = NS). Therapy with coenzyme Q(10) was associated with a mean 25.4% increase in exercise duration and a 14.3% increase in workload. Percent changes after therapy include the following: exercise LVEF, +24.6%; cardiac output, +19.1%; stroke volume index, +13.2%; heart rate, +6.5%; SBP, -4.3%; SBP / ESVI, +18.6%; end-diastolic volume (EDV) area, -6.0%; MVo (2), -7.0%; and ventricular compliance (%Delta SV / EDV) improved >100%. In summary, coenzyme Q(10) therapy is associated with significant functional, clinical, and hemodynamic improvements within the context of an extremely favorable benefit-to-risk ratio. Coenzyme Q(10) enhances cardiac output by exerting a positive inotropic effect upon the myocardium as well as mild vasodilatation.

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