
In 1993, I wanted to see what protection Coenzyme Q10 supplementation could give the heart muscle during and after heart surgery. I discussed the idea with Dr. Karl Folkers and Dr. Willis Stogsdill.
We agreed that the idea had merit. Coenzyme Q10 is a natural and essential cofactor in heart muscle cells. It has bio-energetic, antioxidantAntioxidants are substances that protect the cells and lipoproteins against the harmful effects of free radicals. They are substances that prevent the oxidation of other molecules and compounds. There are two broad categories of antioxidants: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. Non-enzymatic antioxidants are substances like Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and various carotenoids. Prominent enzymatic antioxidants include catalase, glutathione peroxidase,... Read more about this term, and anti-inflammatory effects. Typically, patients with heart failureThe Mayo Clinic defines heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure and/or chronic heart failure, as the failure of the heart muscle to pump blood to the body adequately. In other words, heart failure is not a heart attack, and it is not death from heart disease, which its name might seem to imply. Heart failure is a condition... Read more about this term have reduced blood and heart muscle tissue concentrations of Coenzyme Q10.
Heart surgery study in Indianapolis
We conducted a study with 10 high-risk heart surgery patients in a CoQ10 supplementation group and 10 high-risk heart surgery patients in a placebo group. The two groups were similar characteristics before the study began: