Reduction in blood viscosity by treatment with coenzyme Q10 in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Abstract

The effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on blood viscosity were studied in twelve patients (mean age 49 +/- 16 years) with ischemic heart disease. Twenty mg of CoQ10 was orally administered three times daily for two months (total dose 60 mg per day). Blood viscosity was measured with a cone-plate type viscometer at the shear rates of 37.5, 75, 150, and 375 s-1. Yield shear stress was calculated from Casson's plot. Blood viscosity decreased at each shear rate after the administration of CoQ10. Yield shear stress decreased significantly by the treatment with CoQ10. Hematocrit and fibrinogen were also measured, but showed no significant change. These results suggest that CoQ10 decreases the blood viscosity, i.e., improves the rheological properties of blood in ischemic heart disease.