Family history? Lifestyle factors? Dietary issues? Most people who are “at risk” for heart disease already know there are two sides to cholesterol, a fatty protein compound. “Good cholesterol”, HDL (high density lipoprotein), supports health in many ways. High levels of “bad cholesterol”, LDL (low density lipoprotein), is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. LDL cholesterol is thought to irritate the linings of blood vessels and contribute to plaque build-up and, ultimately, atherosclerosis or “hardening of the arteries”.
Canada’s Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control says, “Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of more than one-third of Canadians. It not only affects the elderly but is also the third leading cause of premature death under age 75. As the number of elderly in Canada increases, there has been an increase in the number of deaths due to stroke and ischemic (reduced blood supply) heart disease. This trend is expected to continue for the next fifteen years.”
“High cholesterol” has been identified as a contributing factor to heart disease. Cholesterol-lowering statin medications are among the most prescribed drugs in the world. Many people want alternatives for high cholesterol. We asked Dr. Michael Murray, a naturopathic doctor, about natural solutions.
“Fish and flaxseed oils, antioxidant foods and supplements, a diet rich in vegetables, fruit and whole-grain foods, can greatly improve one’s cholesterol balance and overall health. It is also very important to increase intake of coenzyme Q10, a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance that helps produce cellular energy. CoQ10 also enhances immunity and is a potent antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage.”
Dr. Murray adds, “Ironically, the body’s levels of CoQ10, which helps balance cholesterol naturally, are depleted by the use of statin drugs — which are supposed to improve cholesterol! Statins interfere with an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase that the body uses to manufacture cholesterol. Unfortunately, statins also reduce the body’s CoQ10 levels by as much as 50 percent in 30 days. According to Health Canada’s adverse drug reaction database, more than 1,000 serious side-effects related to statins have been reported in Canada in the last 15 years.”
Anyone using statin drugs should ask their qulified health care practitioner about supplementing with CoQ10. A variety of potencies are available. Research by Dr. Peter H. Langsjoen showed that statin-related adverse effects can be improved with supplemental CoQ10, without interfering with the drugs' beneficial effects.
NOTE: Consult with your health care practitioner before making any changes to your medication use.