A small study indicated that statin therapy reduces plasma levels of coenzyme Q10, which may have adverse effects on heart failure states. Further studies are needed to determine whether ubiquinone reductions are limiting the maximum favorable effects of statin therapy on the microcirculation. The use of enzyme Q10 carries only one disadvantage — neglect of approved heart failure remedies. Further studies are clearly indicated because the enzyme appears to cause no harm and appears to alter parameters that are deranged in heart failure that are not corrected by the excellent cardioactive agents available for the management of heart failure. These agents include ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta-blockers, digoxin, spironolactone, and eplerenone. Intensive research is required to obtain new cardioactive agents to manage heart failure (see the chapter Heart Failure).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Raj, S. R., Weisel, R. D., and Verma, S. Coenzyme Q10 and conges¬tive heart failure: What is the verdict? Can. J. Cardiol., 18:1054–57, 2002.
Strey, C. H., Young, J. M., Molyneux, S. L. et al. Endothelium-ameliorating effects of statin therapy and coenzyme Q10 reductions in chronic heart failure. Atherosclerosis, 179: Issue 1 201–206, 2005.