Can Q10 clear clogged arteries?

Atherosclerosis is a disease where plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. This can restrict blood flow and oxygen to the heart and other organs, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. Some claim the supplement CoQ10 can help clear clogged arteries, but what does the research say?

What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis, also called arteriosclerosis, is the medical term for clogged arteries. It occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up on the inner walls of arteries.

Key facts about atherosclerosis:

• Caused by cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium and cellular debris accumulating in the arteries.
• Can eventually block blood flow and restrict oxygen delivery.
• Often develops slowly over decades with no symptoms until advanced stages.
• Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, inactivity, and diabetes.
• Can lead to serious cardiovascular issues like heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
• Treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery and medical procedures to open blocked arteries.

Detecting and addressing atherosclerosis in early stages is crucial to prevent complications like heart attacks. This has sparked interest in natural remedies like CoQ10.

What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant compound produced naturally by the body that is vital for cell energy production.

• Found in highest concentrations in the heart, liver, kidneys and pancreas
• Also obtained through foods like meat, fish, nuts, seeds, and some oils
• Used as a supplement to treat certain heart and metabolic conditions
• Available in capsule, softgel and tablet forms in dosages from 30mg up to 200mg

Some research suggests CoQ10 may help inhibit oxidation of LDL cholesterol and aid cardiovascular health. But can it impact atherosclerosis?

Mechanisms: How Could CoQ10 Affect Atherosclerosis?

CoQ10 is unlikely to physically clear out or dissolve existing plaque in arteries. However, some studies suggest it may benefit atherosclerosis through potential mechanisms like:

• Antioxidant effects - CoQ10 may reduce oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol, making it less likely to accumulate in artery walls.
• Anti-inflammatory effects - CoQ10 may inhibit inflammatory pathways involved in development of atherosclerotic lesions.
• Improved endothelial function - CoQ10 may aid in nitric oxide production to support healthy endothelium and vascular function.
• Lowering lipid peroxidation - CoQ10 may protect lipids from peroxidative damage, reducing plaque components.
• Improved mitochondrial function - Better mitochondrial efficiency may protect arteries and slow atherosclerosis progression.

So in theory, CoQ10 may help slow the development and growth of plaque, rather than eliminating existing deposits. More clinical evidence is still needed.

Evidence on CoQ10 and Atherosclerosis

Some studies provide insights on CoQ10's effects regarding atherosclerosis:

• A 2021 meta-analysis found CoQ10 significantly improves endothelial function, which plays a key role in atherosclerosis.
• In a study on diabetic mice, CoQ10 reduced plaque formation in arteries and lipid peroxidation.
• CoQ10 was observed to lower oxidized LDL and increase antioxidant activity in hyperlipidemic patients.
• Patients who took CoQ10 after heart surgery had less oxidative stress and improved endothelial function compared to placebo.
• However, one study found no benefits of CoQ10 on inflammatory markers in chronic heart failure patients.

Overall the evidence for impacts on atherosclerosis specifically is limited. More robust clinical studies are still needed to clarify CoQ10's effects.

Can CoQ10 Clear Plaque from Arteries?

Based on the available research, CoQ10 is unlikely to directly clear existing plaque out of clogged arteries. No studies support the idea it can actively break down or dissolve arterial plaque.

However, some evidence suggests CoQ10 may aid endothelial and vascular function, reduce oxidation and inflammation, and slow the atherosclerotic process. This could inhibit further plaque accumulation.

But for people with established atherosclerosis, CoQ10 supplementation alone is not enough. Proven medical interventions are also necessary to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow.

Medical Treatments to Clear Blocked Arteries

If arteries have become dangerously clogged or hardened, medical procedures may be required to restore blood flow. Options include:

• Angioplasty - Using a small balloon catheter to open the artery and mechanically widen it. Often combined with stenting.
• Stenting - Inserting a tiny wire mesh tube called a stent to prop open the artery and keep it open after angioplasty.
• Bypass surgery - Grafting a healthy blood vessel harvested from another part of the body to bypass the blocked artery.
• Endarterectomy - Surgically removing plaque from the blocked artery itself.
• Atherectomy - Using a special catheter-based device to shave or cut away plaque from the artery wall.
• Thrombolysis drugs - Special medications to break up or dissolve blood clots that block arteries.

Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management are also critical to prevent atherosclerosis progression and complications after procedures.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Clear Arteries

While CoQ10 alone cannot clear clogged arteries, some lifestyle measures may aid plaque stabilization and slow the rate of blockage:

• Healthy diet - Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats like olive oil. Avoid excess sugar, salt and unhealthy fats.
• Exercise - Engage in regular cardio and strength training exercise. Even moderate activity like brisk walking helps.
• Smoking cessation - Quit smoking completely to stop damaging artery walls.
• Lower cholesterol - Reduce intake of saturated fats and maintain optimal LDL/HDL levels.
• Control blood pressure - Keep blood pressure under 120/80 mm Hg through diet, exercise and medication.
• Stress management - Practice relaxation techniques and ensure adequate sleep. Chronic stress promotes inflammation.
• Maintain healthy weight - Lose excess body fat to minimize atherosclerosis risk. Especially reduce abdominal obesity.

Again, consult your cardiologist for specific lifestyle recommendations to optimize your heart health.

Are There Any Risks With Taking CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q10 supplements are widely available over the counter and generally considered safe when taken as recommended.

Some potential side effects can include:

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea, appetite loss, fatigue and muscle pain. Usually mild.
• Insomnia - Due to energizing effects, so take earlier in day.
• Interactions with blood thinners - Caution advised with warfarin.
• Allergic skin rash in sensitive individuals.
• GI upset, especially when taken without food.

There is little data on long term risks of high dose supplementation. Always inform your doctor about any supplements you take.

Certain people should avoid CoQ10 without medical approval, including:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Children under age 18.
• Those scheduled for surgery soon due to blood thinning effects.
• People with diabetes due to potential impact on blood sugar.

Overall, CoQ10 is considered safe for most people when used appropriately under a doctor's supervision.

Can Q10 clear clogged arteries? Conclusion

In summary, several key points to remember about CoQ10 and clogged arteries:

• CoQ10 is unlikely to actively clear out existing plaque or clogged arteries on its own.
• Some evidence suggests it may help inhibit processes involved in plaque formation like oxidation and inflammation.
• For established heart disease, medical interventions are still required to open dangerously blocked arteries.
• CoQ10 may provide antioxidant benefits and support vascular health, especially when atherosclerosis risk factors are present.
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to prevent atherosclerosis progression and future cardiovascular events.
• Talk to your doctor before beginning CoQ10, especially if taking other medications or planning surgery.
• CoQ10 supplements should never replace medical treatments prescribed by your cardiologist.

While promising for cardiovascular protection, current evidence does not support using CoQ10 alone to actively reverse or eliminate clogged arteries once present. Always discuss atherosclerosis treatment options with your doctor.

Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507838/#_article-26991_s3_
• https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.119.312542
• https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atherosclerosis
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655533/
• https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/CoenzymeQ10-HealthProfessional/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34246698/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30266788/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10484098/
• https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.114.001162