Atripla & Co Q10

[newbie76]

Hi all,

This morning during my routine HIV visit, I have been told that for the 2nd time in a row my blood pressure is quite high (140/100). Being only 33yo, slim, relatively healthy with a good diet I was a bit surprised and concerned about it.

I have read about the antioxidant Co Q10 and I would like to start taking 200mg every day for about a month to see if it makes a difference.

What I wanted to know is if there are any interactions between Atripla and Co Q10. Does anyone know?

Many thanks.

[newt]

There are no noteworthy interactions with the drugs in Atripla

But, I am interested, why do you want to do this supplement?

- matt

[newbie76]

Thank you Newt.

Well I have found many sites which seems to indicate that this supplement can (does?) lower blood pressure.

Why People Use CoQ10?

Heart failure
Cardiomyopathy
Heart Attack Prevention and Recovery
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Gum Disease
Kidney Failure
Migraine
Counteract Prescription Drug Effects
Parkinson's disease
Weight loss

Source: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/supplements/a/CoenzymeQ10.htm

Blood pressure
There are several reports concerning the effect of CoQ10 on blood pressure in human studies.[18] In a recent meta-analysis of the clinical trials of CoQ10 for hypertension, a research group led by Professor Frank Rosenfeldt (Director, Cardiac Surgical Research Unit, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia) reviewed all published trials of Coenzyme Q10 for hypertension, and assessed overall efficacy, consistency of therapeutic action, and side-effect incidence. Meta-analysis was performed in 12 clinical trials (362 patients) comprising three randomized controlled trials, one crossover study, and eight open-label studies. The research group concluded that coenzyme Q10 has the potential in hypertensive patients to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side-effects.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Co_Q-10#Blood_pressure

[newbie76]

... and another one:

There is a substance which is sythesized (produced) by the body called Coenzyme Q10, sometimes known as ubiquinone. Interestingly 39% of people suffering from hypertension are short of this coenzyme. Although no one knows what effect this has, if a person is deficient, it seems to negatively effect metabolism. Its not easy to get from one's diet since the body manufactures it from other raw materials, but it is available from black grapes. Correcting this deficiency can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by as much as 10%. How do you know if you are one of the 39% who are deficient in CoQ10? Some signs are gum disease, high cholesterol levels, and arteriosclerosis or diagnosed heart disease. You need to take about 60mg twice daily. In clinic we find a good brand is Co-Q10-30mg that you can buy from this site at a 20% discounted rate off the normal retail price.

Source: http://www.turnaroundyourhealth.co.uk/Herbal-Remedies-for-Hypertension---High-Blood-Pressure/B156.htm