Cardiovascular diseases — or diseases of the heart and blood vessels — are one of the most prevalent diseases in the Philippines and according to the Philippine Statistics Office, CVDs are part of the larger group of non-communicable diseases which collectively account for 72 percent of deaths in the country in 2021.
Studies have shown that the lack of myocardial Coenzyme Q10 enzyme or CoQ10 could increase the risk of developing heart-related diseases of which, its primary function of CoQ10 has a critical consequence for energy metabolism since better, more efficient electron transport in the inner membrane at the mitochondria leads to more abundant production of adenosine triphosphate.
This is a highly relevant factor, for instance, for the cardiac muscle and the correct functioning of the heart. CoQ10 has been shown to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and myocardial infarction directly, as well as to play a crucial antioxidant role which can help fight the adverse effects of free radicals on our bodies brought about by our daily exposure to stress, unhealthy diet, and pollution.
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant and nutrient stored in our organs deep within our cells. The level of CoQ10 is highest in organs with high metabolism rates such as the heart, kidney, and liver.
CoQ10 helps ensure that our organs function well and that our bodies can perform metabolic processes. Existing studies have suggested how CoQ10 can help in various health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems like cancer and migraines.
The body's ability to produce CoQ10 declines with age, and we need to rely more on external sources like food and supplements to replenish CoQ10 in our bodies.
The benefits of CoQ10 promote heart health, where a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Heart Failure, researchers studied 420 chronic heart failure patients. The subjects were administered either 100 milligrams of CoQ10 thrice daily or placebos, alongside standard treatment, over two years. At the end of the study, it was discovered that CoQ10 supplementation helped improve the patient's symptoms and reduce their risk of succumbing to the disease.
It may also slow the progression of CVD as CoQ10 protects the heart, which is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood throughout all body parts 24/7 and it can also lower elevated blood pressure.
