Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Serum Lipoproteins, Plasma Fibrinogen, and Blood Pressure in Patients With Hyperlipidemia and Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: Low plasma concentrations of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) have been associated with concentration of lipoproteins and other factors contributing to coronary heart diseases. OBJECTIVES: The present investigation aimed to improve the blood pressure and serum lipoproteins concentration in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) by CoQ10 supplementation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial, 52 Iranian patients with hyperlipidemia and MI were recruited to examine the effect of CoQ10 on serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride (TG), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, TC/HDL-C ratio, fibrinogen, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Individuals were randomly allocated to two groups for receiving either 200 mg/d of CoQ10 or placebo for 12 weeks. RESULTS: There were not significant differences in serum LDL-C (2.70 ± 0.31 vs. 2.70 ± 0.35 mmol/L), TC (4.47 ± 0.33 vs. 4.93 ± 0.57 mmol/L), TG (2.48 ± 0.12 vs. 2.25 ± 0.69 mmol/L), and fibrinogen (2.08 ± 0.99 vs. 38.7 ± 0.64 mg/dL) between CoQ10 and placebo groups. After 12 weeks, a significant enhancement in serum HDL-C (1.44 ± 0.18 vs. 1.14 ± 0.18 mmol/L) level was observed between groups after the supplementation (P < 0.001). A significant reduction of TC, LDL-C, and fibrinogen and a significant increase in HDL-C concentration was observed in CoQ10 group after intervention (P < 0.001). Our assessment demonstrated statistically significant differences between the two groups in SBP and DBP after intervention (P < 0.001). ANCOVA also revealed significant differences in the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C between the two groups (1.89 ± 0.42 vs. 2.39 ± 0.38, P = 0.002; and 3.2 ± 0.5 vs. 4.24 ± 0.66, P = 0.01, respectively). A significant reduction of LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C was observed in CoQ10 group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve-week supplementation with CoQ10 in patients with hyperlipidemia and MI can improve blood pressure, serum HDL-C as well as LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratios; therefore, it might decrease the risk of frequent MI.