In recognition of American Heart Month, we’re focusing on cardiovascular health in Part 2 of our 4-Part series.
Heart health is both a national and global concern. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. 50% of American adults are impacted by heart disease and 1/3 of adults worldwide have high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the most common cause of heart disease-related deaths.
Symptoms of Severe High Blood Pressure
Because hypertension — or high blood pressure — is so prevalent, many adults are not aware they have it. High blood pressure doesn’t show symptoms unless it’s very severe. Make sure to schedule annual checkups to monitor blood pressure.
If your blood pressure is extremely high, you may experience some of these symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Nosebleed
- Fatigue or confusion
- Vision problems
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Facial flushing
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a nutrient produced in nearly every human cell. CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps convert food into energy and protects cells against free radical damage. Many foods are good sources of CoQ10 including beef liver and kidneys, sardines, mackerel, chicken, cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus.
CoQ10 Levels Decline with age
As we get older, CoQ10 concentrations decrease. The decline can start as early as age 30 or as late as age 50. The slow, continuous decline leads to increased oxidation and decreased energy. A shortage of this antioxidant may lead to oxidative stress, which increases the risk for a range of disorders, including cardiovascular disease. A simple blood test can measure CoQ10 levels.
Two Forms of CoQ10
Dietary supplements can increase CoQ10 levels. There are two forms of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. The form changes as the nutrient moves throughout the body.
-
Ubiquinol: When the nutrient is produced in the blood and lymphatic system, ubiquinol serves an antioxidant function. It prevents cells from being damaged. Ubiquinol supplements are most beneficial for those who are 30 years of age or younger.
-
Ubiquinone: When the nutrient is produced in the mitochondria, it serves a metabolic function. It helps convert food into energy. Ubiquinone supplements are most beneficial for those over 50.
3 Ways CoQ10 Can Prevent Heart Disease
According to the Cleveland Heart Lab, researchers report that CoQ10 may have significant benefits for people with cardiovascular disease (CVD), from reducing risk for repeat heart attacks and improving outcomes in patients with heart failure to lowering blood pressure and helping combat side effects of cholesterol-lowering statins.
Prevent Heart Inflammation
Recent studies show that CoQ10 supplements may reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. CoQ10 supplementation decreases artery inflammation which is a CVD risk factor. CoQ10 can decrease tissue damage in the heart and brain which reduces risk for heart attack and stroke.
Reduce Heart Failure
CoQ10 was hailed as “the first new drug to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade” due to the results of a multi-center randomized study. The study found that taking CoQ10 supplements, reduced deaths due to severe heart failure by 50%, compared to a control group. The study was presented at the Heart Failure 2013 congress in Lisbon and later published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology Heart Failure.
Lower Blood Pressure
In an analysis of 12 clinical studies, researchers reported that CoQ10 has the potential to lower systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic pressure by 10 mm Hg without significant side effects.
How To Choose the Most Effective CoQ10 Supplement For You
Some supplement providers distribute misleading information which can lead to confusion when shopping for CoQ10 supplements. Discount brands, such as those found in drugstores or big-box retailers, take advantage of labeling requirement loopholes, and go to great lengths to conceal the source of their ingredients CoQ10.
Consider these 4 guidelines to ensure you invest in a quality product.
-
Make sure the word “trans-form” is on the label. Trans-form CoQ10 is identical to the CoQ10 produced naturally in the body. Most clinical research is conducted using trans-form CoQ10.
-
Check if the supplement is made using natural fermentation. This is a patented process used by only the most reputable, higher quality producers of CoQ10.
-
Look for supporting ingredients. CoQ10 is most effective when it is supported by pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and other heart and brain-supporting nutrients. If your supplement contains L-carnitine, omega-3s, resveratrol and vitamin D3 then it will maximize your health benefits. If the only ingredient is CoQ10 and nothing else, the supplement may not be as effective.
-
Choose a supplement that contains piperine. This is an extract of black pepper. Research shows that piperine significantly increases CoQ10 absorption by up to 30%.
Contact Natural Bio Health Today
Our team is dedicated to helping you understand the numerous factors that may be preventing optimal health. Learn more about taking control of your health. Join the wellness journey to achieve optimal health, fight disease and boost immune health to combat viruses. Visit naturalbiohealth.com.
Our team of specialists understands our patients’ concerns about office safety during the time of COVID-19. We are proud to offer telemedicine services through video and phone calls. We are also seeing patients in person at our offices, but are abiding by new, strict safety precautions. To schedule your appointment, contact us here. We serve patients in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock, and College Station.