High blood pressure is a major risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes, and so managing it is of critical importance.

People with high blood pressure tend to have lower levels of CoQ10.

For an article published in the Journal of Hypertension, experts from the University of Rochester did a meta-analysis (an evaluation of other studies), and found evidence that the enzyme does have hypertension-lowering qualities.

In fact, at least 12 studies have shown that CoQ10 decreases blood pressure. It is thought to do so through its mechanism as an antioxidant and also improving the function of blood vessels by preserving nitric oxide.

In an eight-week, double-blind study of 59 men already taking medications for high blood pressure, researchers found that the group taking CoQ10 experienced a 9 percent drop in their blood pressure readings compared to the men who were taking a placebo.

Similar results were found in a 12-week, double-blind study of 83 people with isolated systolic hypertension (the type of high blood pressure in which only the top number is high).

A study of 74 people with diabetes also produced a similar result.

Finally, a study of 109 patients with long-standing, essential hypertension, who were all taking medication, found that CoQ10 improved their hearts’ function, allowing about half of them to discontinue most of their blood pressure medications.

In that study, those who took CoQ10 experienced an average decrease of systolic blood pressure from 159 to 147 mm Hg, and a diastolic pressure decrease from 94 to 85 mm Hg.