- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
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Question
Coenzyme Q10: Can it prevent statin side effects?
Is it true that coenzyme Q10 can reduce the risk of serious side effects from statin medications?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
There's some controversy surrounding the use of coenzyme Q10 supplements to prevent harmful side effects from statins, a type of cholesterol-lowering medication. At this time, coenzyme Q10 is not universally recommended for preventing statin side effects.
Coenzyme Q10 is a substance made naturally by your body. As a supplement, it's usually sold as a capsule and is marketed under brand names such as Co-Q10, Coenzyme Q10, LiQsorb, Liquid Co-Q10 and Q-Gel.
Some researchers think that taking a coenzyme Q10 supplement may reduce the risk of serious muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis). And some small reports suggest that troubling side effects — muscle and joint aches — from statins might be reduced if you take coenzyme Q10 along with a statin. However, no large studies have confirmed this theory, and current guidelines don't recommend routine use of coenzyme Q10 in people taking statins.
Coenzyme Q10 doesn't cause side effects for most people. However, as with other herbal and dietary supplements, it's not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
If you have muscle aches or other troubling symptoms after starting statin medications, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Statins are effective cholesterol-lowering medications for many people, and it's important to do everything possible to continue taking them as directed.
Next questionArcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol?
- Schaars CF, et al. Effects of ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) on myopathy in statin users. Current Opinion Lipidology. 2008;19:553.
- Young JM, et al. Effect of coenzyme Q(10) supplementation on simvastatin-induced myalgia. American Journal of Cardiology. 2007;100:1400.
- Marcoff L, et al. The role of coenzyme Q10 in statin-associated myopathy: A systematic review. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2007;49:2231.
- Coenzyme Q-10. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Jan. 8, 2009.
