We've all heard about how we need to lower our cholesterol whether it's through diet or, if necessary, the addition of a cholesterol-lowering drug. And I've heard of many people opting for the medication so they can eat whatever they wish. I understand this mindset, but I wonder if our understanding of the effects these drugs can have on our bodies, especially our hearts, is clear; OR if we've ever been made aware of them.

But these meds were created to help our hearts by ridding our bodies of cholesterol that forms plaque. What's the catch?

Well, that is the purpose of these drugs, but with every medication, its very action to create the desired effect can throw off some other processes of the body. And these cholesterol-lowering drugs are no exception.

I'm talking about the Statin drugs like Lipitor, Crestor, Vytorin, etc. These drugs lower cholesterol by blocking its production in the liver, and are very effective I might add; but in doing so, they block the production of coenzme Q10 (CoQ10) a necessary antioxidant also produced in the liver.

We find CoQ10 in the mitochondria of almost all cells of the body for the purpose of energy production. The heart clearly requires the most energy of all our organs derived from CoQ10 and greatly feels the effects of the lack of it. This component is also known to be beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular conditions.

The two most noticeable effects of long-term statin use are Memory Loss and Muscle Pain which can be very severe.

I don't know about you, but I value my memory, guarding it the best I can; and would definitely not like to be afflicted with muscle pain. I'm sure you feel the same way.

These physical problems while taking statin drugs are due to the depletion of CoQ10, so it makes sense that anyone on statin drugs should look into the need for this enzyme to counteract them. Why rid our bodies of the most powerful antioxidant we have for our muscles?

Others should know about this health hazard.

Though I'm not taking statins, I am concerned about those who do and do not know to supplement with CoQ10. So if you or a loved one of yours has been taking statin drugs, please do some research on this and consider adding CoQ10 supplements to your daily regimen.

Best form of supplementation to get results.

It's best to take supplemental CoQ10 in gel caps or liquid rather than in tablet or dry form for better absorption. Also it should be taken with meals.

This problem was altogether new to me several months ago. So when I heard about this conflict between statins and CoQ10 and checked into it, I thought this must be common knowlege since there's so much written on it out there on the internet, but in conversing lately with a couple of friends who did not know this connection of statins and CoQ10, I felt I should use this venue to spread the word and maybe some people would be helped.

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If you have a question or want to know of a quality CoQ10 to take, please call me (Karen) at (860) 546-9895 or write me at k.stevens4@juno.com.