Evidence supporting the use of: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
For the health condition: Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant and essential component of mitochondrial energy production, and has been studied for various cardiovascular conditions, including arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and palpitations. However, the scientific evidence supporting its use for heart fibrillation or palpitations is limited and not robust.

A small number of clinical studies suggest a possible benefit of CoQ10 supplementation in patients with heart failure or those undergoing cardiac surgery, with some reports of reduced incidence of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. For example, a 2015 randomized controlled trial found that CoQ10, when added to standard therapy, reduced the recurrence of AF after electrical cardioversion. However, these studies often have small sample sizes, lack replication, or combine CoQ10 with other interventions, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to CoQ10. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews highlight that while CoQ10 may improve certain markers of cardiac function (particularly in heart failure), its effect on arrhythmias or palpitations is not well established.

There is a plausible biological mechanism: CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function and may stabilize cardiac cell membranes, potentially reducing abnormal electrical activity. However, most clinical guidelines do not recommend CoQ10 for treating arrhythmias, citing insufficient evidence. In summary, while there is some scientific investigation into CoQ10 for arrhythmias, the overall evidence is weak (rated 2/5) and does not strongly justify its routine use for heart fibrillation or palpitations.

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