Mitochondria are important structures found in almost all human cells. They are known as organelles ("little organs"). Mitochondria have several extremely important roles, including energy production and influence over cell growth and cell death. There are several known mitochondrial diseases. Some of these diseases are genetic, while others are not. These diseases are relatively rare, but they can have devastating effects, such as seizures, strokes, heart problems, and developmental problems. Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplementation can help improve the brain symptoms, such as seizures, in people with certain mitochondrial diseases. For this use, the benefit is slow to develop, often taking several months to see improvement.

 

Studies have shown that CoQ10 supplements may improve many of the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF) when used in combination with the usual CHF medications. However, this issue is controversial; some studies have not shown any benefit of CoQ10 in terms of several important measures of CHF, including how well the heart pumps blood. Currently, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology do not recommend CoQ10 for treating congestive heart failure.

 

Some studies have also shown that CoQ10 may help with chest pain (known medically as angina). However, there is not really enough evidence to recommended CoQ10 for this use at this time.

 

CoQ10 may also lower blood pressure, especially in people already taking blood pressure medication. There is also some evidence that taking CoQ10 before cardiac bypass surgery may help lessen the damage to the heart caused by a lack of oxygen during surgery.

 

Early research indicates that taking CoQ10 after a heart attack may prevent additional heart attacks or other heart problems.