Co-enzyme Q10

  Hi, The layman's opinion is that Co-Q10 is an essential treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy. My cardiologist who is also a professor says more or less "over my dead body". It is hugely expensive in my country. I would really like an informed opinion, because I'm getting such conflicting advice. Is it going to help or not? Although I am not resident in the US, I will be visiting there this year.

[CCF CARDIO MD APS]

Dear Jill,
The general consensus among the cardiologists in the U.S. is that although
there were a few anecdotal reports by japanese physicians in the late 1980s
Co-Q10 is a neutral drug that neither harms nor helps the cardiomyopathic
patient that uses it.  There were a few attempts here in the U.S. to do trials
on this drug, however, the pilot portion of the trial showed no benefit to most
patients.  It is true that some patients claim to feel better on CoQ10 but
again no benefit has ever been clinically or scientifically proven.  It is
possible therefore for some patients to try it however it sounds as if the
price is prohibitive for you and this is a good reason not to try it besides
the fact that your doctor is against it.  Certainly this CoQ10 is not an essential
drug in the treatment of Heart Failure and other cardiomyopathic processes.