Nutritional supplement may be better option for lowering the pressure

Posted on Mon, 22 Feb 10

One in five people suffer from high blood pressure which is the third leading cause of death globally. Dietary and lifestyle change is the most effect treatment for high blood pressure yet often medications are used. Medications however are not particularly effective and fraught with side effects which is consequently why up to 50% of people stop their medication within one year (1,2). Fortunately there is a safe nutritional medicine that may help.

High blood pressure has been linked to increased oxidative stress. Since the 1970s several reports have suggested that the nutrient CoQ10, which quenches oxidative stress and plays an important role in cardiovascular health, can lower blood pressure. An analysis of 12 clinical trials investigating the blood pressure lowering effect of CoQ10 concluded that CoQ10 has the potential “to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side effects (3).” These reductions are comparable to conventional medications.

Most clinical studies have used a dose of approximately 100-150 mg per day of CoQ10, and no interactions between CoQ10 and blood pressure lowering medications have been observed suggesting it can be used safely alongside blood pressure medications (3).

References

1. Flack JM. Benefits of adherence to antihypertensive drug therapy. Eur Heart J. 1996;17 Suppl A:16-20

2. Dusing R. Adverse events, compliance, and changes in therapy. Curr Hypertens Rep. 2001;3(6):488-92.

3. Rosenfeldt FL, et al. Coenzyme Q10 in the treatment of hypertension: a meta-analysis of the clinical trials. J Hum Hypertens. 2007 Apr;21(4):297-306.