Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins have been shown to reduce blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). A meta-analysis published in Pharmacological Research (2015 Sep;99:329–336. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2015.07.008) reviewed eight randomized controlled trials to assess the extent of this effect. The authors reported that statin use was associated with a significant reduction in circulating CoQ10 levels.
This finding is noteworthy because low CoQ10 levels have been consistently linked with heart failure. The heart has a particularly high demand for CoQ10 due to its role in mitochondrial energy production, and reduced myocardial and blood levels of CoQ10 have been observed in individuals with congestive heart failure.
An article published in European Heart Journal Supplements. 2002;4(Suppl D):D50–D58. reported that the incidence of heart failure increased markedly over the latter part of the 20th century, with prevalence rising by approximately 70% between 1990 and 2000. This time frame overlaps with a substantial increase in statin use.
While these observations do not establish causation, they raise questions about whether statin-associated reductions in CoQ10 may be relevant to long-term cardiovascular energy balance in some individuals. Further research is needed to clarify clinical significance and determine which populations may be most affected.
