Abstract

Objective. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) on the changes of several functional and biochemical parameters during early rehabilitation after revascularization of the myocardium.
Methods. 58 patients (NYHA II–III) were randomized into 2 subgroups: 31 patients received CoQ 100/200 mg per day (1/7 weeks) and 27 patients received a placebo according to a similar scheme. The patients underwent breath-by-breath bicycle cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and after the rehabilitation programme, while the functional indices of  the cardiorespiratory system were measured. Two to four weeks after the revascularization of the myocardium the patients started with 50-minute exercise therapy sessions three times a week with an overall length of 12 weeks.
Results. The results demonstrated that in the study group improvement in aerobic capacity was more significant than in the control group (increase in VO2 AnL and Peak VO2).
Conclusions. Administration of the coenzyme Q10 seems to improve positively the aerobic capacity of patients after revascularization of the myocardium in the early stage of rehabilitation.