CoQ-10

The statins, a group of cholesterol lowering medicines act by inhibiting one of the enzymes named HMG CoA. This enzyme breaks chain of chemical reactions that lead to the production of cholesterol. As a side effect, statins also decrease the production of Coenzyme Q-10, also called CoQ-10. The question is whether decreased production of CoQ-10 can cause harm to the patients taking cholesterol lowering medicines on a long term basis.

I did find research study suggesting that taking CoQ-10 along with statins may decrease stiffness of the heart that patients on statins may be prone to have. At this point of time, I have found no reason to object to taking CoQ-10 supplement (available over the counter) along with statins*

*Statins, as a group include different popular drugs named Zocor, Lovastatin, Pravachol, Crestor, and Lipitor.

July 28, 2006

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