A DISEASE of the heart and blood vessels is called cardiovascular disease (CVD). It's a major cause of death in the world and accounts for nearly 30 per cent of deaths globally.
In the last 10 years (1996-2007), CVD has been the leading cause of hospital admissions and deaths in Malaysia. The National Health and Morbidity survey showed that more than 61 per cent of Malaysians had one risk factor for CVD or more.
According to the American Heart Association, several risk factors for CVD have been identified. Some of them can be modified, treated or controlled, and some can't. The more risk factors you have, the greater the chances of developing coronary heart disease. Major risk factors that can't be changed are age, gender and heredity.
Risk factors that you can modify, treat or control are tobacco smoke, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and physical inactivity. Diet-wise, a well-balanced meal with lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains is advised. Many people also complement their diet with additional nutrients and herbs such as red yeast rice, fish oil and guggulipid for better health.
Another nutrient of value is Coenzyme Q-10, a fat-soluble vitamin-like nutrient present in every cell of the body which is involved in the production of energy within the cell. It also functions as an antioxidant. It is naturally present in small amounts in a wide variety of foods but is particularly high in organ meats such as heart, liver and kidney, as well as in beef, soy oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts.
Internationally, there have been numerous studies on the treatment of heart diseases with CoQ-10 and all the outcomes have been positive, with a remarkable safety record. Studies on this nutrient have been encouraging for chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer and immuno-compromised conditions. CoQ-10 deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary CoQ-10, impairment in its biosynthesis, excessive utilisation of it by the body or any combination of the three.
Evidence shows that some commonly prescribed cholesterol medications can cause a depletion of Coenzyme Q-10 in the body. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to treat elevated blood cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis, also block CoQ-10 biosynthesis. The resulting lowering of blood CoQ-10 level is due to the partially shared biosynthetic pathway of CoQ-10 and cholesterol.
Ironically, Coenzyme Q-10 is essential to cardiovascular health. The highest concentrations are found in the heart where its action in the mitochondria is vital to the healthy functioning of the heart muscle tissue. A deficiency in Coenzyme Q-10 in the body may lead to tiredness and muscle fatigue.
When the CoQ-10 is diminished, the heart weakens and eventually results in congestive heart failure. Therefore, supplementing the diet with additional Coenzyme Q-10 has been found to help maintain the body's levels of the nutrient, which is important, not only for heart health but also for maintaining healthy blood pressure, energy levels and general well-being.
If you are on medication, a Coenzyme Q-10 supplement is recommended to help replenish your "depleted stores". Try to opt for 50mg of Coenzyme Q-10 in soy bean oil base, which enhances its absorption and acts as a carrier for the nutrient.
The writer is a pharmacist actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies. For more information, she can be contacted at csyam@streamyx.com
This story was first published in the New Straits Times on Jan 13, 2009.
