{"id":817822,"date":"2026-08-18T16:28:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T16:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/817822\/"},"modified":"2026-08-18T16:28:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T16:28:09","slug":"cardiologists-warn-coq10-supplements-may-harm-heart-health-and-waste-your-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/817822\/","title":{"rendered":"Cardiologists Warn: CoQ10 Supplements May Harm Heart Health and Waste Your Money"},"content":{"rendered":"

As a consultative cardiologist, Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, MD, FACC<\/a>, says supplements<\/a> operate in the \u201cwild west\u201d of the health system.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I prescribe a medication, I know exactly what\u2019s in the bottle, how it\u2019s manufactured and precisely how it interacts with the body because it has undergone years of rigorous, large-scale clinical trials,\u201d he tells Parade.<\/p>\n

But Dr. Tadwalkar warns that supplements aren\u2019t held to the same regulatory standards as medications. <\/p>\n

\u201cOften, the marketing is driven by profit rather than peer-reviewed data,\u201d he explains. \u201cAs a patient, you have to play detective, asking questions like: Who is selling this? What is their incentive? If it sounds like a miracle cure, it\u2019s almost certainly marketing bravado rather than medical science.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yet, if you\u2019re one of the more than 20 million adults in the U.S<\/a>. living with heart disease<\/a>, it\u2019s natural to want a cure. Unfortunately, supplements are also billed as \u201cnatural,\u201d which Dr. Tadwalkar says doesn\u2019t always mean \u201csafe,\u201d especially if you have or are at risk for heart disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupplements can alter the metabolism of life-saving medications or add unnecessary strain to your system,\u201d he explains. \u201cWe need to be careful that your \u2018wellness\u2019 routine isn\u2019t quietly working against your heart prescriptions.\u201d<\/p>\n

One trending supplement, billed as a tool for cardiovascular disease, may actually do more harm than good (or just no good at all). Four cardiologists agree that this supplement is mostly a waste of money for heart health, and that people taking statins need to be especially careful with it. Scroll on to learn more, including research-backed ways to protect your heart<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\ude7a<\/a>SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week<\/a>\ud83d\udc8a<\/a><\/p>\n

This Supplement Is a Waste of Money for Heart Health, Cardiologists Say<\/p>\n

Four cardiologists agree that CoQ10 is generally a waste of money for heart health, even though it\u2019s promoted as a miracle cure for cardiovascular disease, statin-related muscle pains and even aging (which, um, doesn\u2019t need to be cured).<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the glowing marketing claims, the official stance from major medical organizations tells a different story,\u201d Dr. Patrick Kee, MD, Ph.D<\/a>, a cardiologist at Vital Heart & Vein, tells Parade. \u201cThe American Heart Association<\/a> (AHA) explicitly states that CoQ10 remains \u2018of uncertain value\u2019 in heart failure management, and it does not replace standard, guideline-directed medical therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n

If your algorithm hasn\u2019t pushed TikTok videos promoting this supplement as a blanket fix for \u201call the things,\u201d you may wonder: \u201cHey, what is CoQ10 anyway?\u201d<\/p>\n

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a naturally occurring antioxidant. Every cell in your body has it, says Dr. Ryan Kaple, MD,<\/a>an interventional cardiologist and the director of the Structural & Congenital Heart Program at Hackensack University Medical Center.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt plays a crucial role in creating energy within your cells and protecting them from damage,\u201d he says. \u201cThink of it as a tiny spark plug for your cells\u2019 engines. Your body produces CoQ10, but its levels can decrease with age or in people with certain conditions, like heart disease.\u201d<\/p>\n

But that doesn\u2019t mean CoQ10 supplements are a great way to reduce the risk of heart disease (or slow it). Unfortunately, though, that\u2019s why people often one-click buy them. <\/p>\n

\u201cManufacturers heavily promote it with a \u2018health halo,’\u201d Dr. Kee points out. \u201cIt is widely sold under the premise that taking extra pills will naturally boost your heart\u2019s pumping energy, slow down aging or magically shield your cardiovascular system.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yet, cardiologists say the hype isn\u2019t usually right here.<\/p>\n

Related:\u00a0Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Blood Pressure Medication<\/a><\/p>\n

The Truth About CoQ10 and Heart Health<\/p>\n

Dr. Kaple warns that CoQ10 can interfere with blood thinners, including warfarin, and could lower blood sugar<\/a>, a potential concern for people taking diabetes medications (Remember: people with diabetes are more likely to live with heart disease, too). Lack of oversight is also a problem.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t always be sure of the quality or dosage of the supplement you\u2019re taking,\u201d Dr. Kaple warns.<\/p>\n

However, Dr. Tadwalkar is generally less concerned with toxicity than with the opportunity cost. \u201cMany patients spend time and money chasing a supplement that doesn\u2019t move the needle, potentially delaying the lifestyle changes or evidence-based treatments that actually save lives,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n

For instance, there\u2019s some anecdotal evidence that CoQ10 helps some people on statins with muscle aches. \u201cBut clinical trials<\/a> have been largely neutral,\u201d Dr. Tadwalkar clarifies. \u201cIt\u2019s not a dangerous interaction, but it\u2019s rarely the fix people hope it is.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another cardiologist agrees. \u201cThere are some studies that have demonstrated some mild cardiac benefits,\u201d states Dr. Mohanakrishnan Sathyamoorthy, MD<\/a>, the chair of internal medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. \u00a0\u201cThese, however, are significantly outweighed by the time you invest in optimizing your nutrition<\/a>, daily exercise<\/a>, restful sleep <\/a>and socialization.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related: \u2018I\u2019m a Cardiologist\u2014Here\u2019s How To Know When You Should Go on Blood Pressure Medication\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

When CoQ10 May Be Helpful<\/p>\n

Dr. Kaple doesn\u2019t recommend CoQ10 for most of his patients but says the supplement might have a place in some holistic treatment plans. Dr. Kaple shares that times when CoQ10 might be considered include:<\/p>\n

True CoQ10 deficiency (very rare)<\/p>\n

Heart failure, along with standard medical treatments (\u201cThis is not a replacement for proven therapies,\u201d Dr. Kaple emphasizes.)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Importantly, Dr. Kaple stresses these plans should always stem from \u201cconsultation with a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related: Cardiologists Are Begging People To Stop Pairing This Common Supplement With Blood Thinners<\/a><\/p>\n

3 Ways To Improve Your Heart Health That Aren\u2019t CoQ10 Supplements<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all prescription for better heart health. Instead, cardiologists recommend starting with lifestyle changes. Below, they detail three effective ways to improve your heart health with more backing than CoQ10.<\/p>\n

1. Adopt a heart-healthy diet<\/p>\n

Dr. Kaple recommends following a diet plan that prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean<\/a> or DASH<\/a> eating plans. These diets also minimize intake of processed foods, saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sodium. Dr. Kaple shares that these eating plans can help you keep your weight, cholesterol and blood pressure in check and lower your risk of chronic conditions that can strain the heart.<\/p>\n

Want to get some CoQ10 the \u201cfood-first\u201d way?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most heart-healthy source is oily fish like salmon, char, trout or mackerel,\u201d shares Dr. Sathyamoorthy. \u201cFor vegetarians and vegans, [try] walnuts, tofu, cauliflower and soybeans.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Log exercise<\/p>\n

Dr. Kaple suggests aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking, swimming or cycling, each week. Moderate-intensity simply means your heart rate goes up, but you can still carry on a conversation.<\/p>\n

\u201cExercise strengthens your heart muscle, improves circulation, helps control your weight, and can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol,\u201d Dr. Kaple says.<\/p>\n

Speaking of strength, don\u2019t forget to add at least two resistance-training exercises to your regimen each week. <\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a massive misconception that heart health equals hours on the treadmill, but lifting weights improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood pressure,\u201d Dr. Tadwalkar adds.<\/p>\n

3. Prioritize sleep<\/p>\n

Your heart, mind and whole body will thank you. \u201cDeep, restorative sleep gives your heart a necessary rest period, lowers your baseline heart rate and regulates stress hormones that can otherwise trigger inflammation and hypertension over time,\u201d Dr. Kee reports.<\/p>\n

Up Next:<\/p>\n

Related: We Asked 4 Nutrition Experts the Best Dinner To Eat To Lower Blood Pressure and They All Said the Same Thing<\/a><\/p>\n

Sources:<\/p>\n

Dr. Ryan Kaple, MD,<\/a> an interventional cardiologist and the director of the Structural & Congenital Heart Program at Hackensack University Medical Center<\/p>\n

Cardiovascular Statistics in the United States, 2026: JACC Stats. JACC<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Complementary and Alternative Medicines in the Management of Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on statin-associated myalgia and adherence to statin therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Atherosclerosis<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation for prophylaxis in adult patients with migraine\u2014a meta-analysis. BMJ Open<\/a>. <\/p>\n

This story was originally published by Parade<\/a> on Aug 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Health & Wellness<\/a> section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As a consultative cardiologist, Dr. Rigved Tadwalkar, MD, FACC, says supplements operate in the \u201cwild west\u201d of the…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":817823,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[97],"class_list":["post-817822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-health","tag-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/817822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=817822"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/817822\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/817823"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=817822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=817822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=817822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}