Combination Effects of Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 on Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is currently a major concern for the middle-aged and elderly. Some studies have suggested the beneficial effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on clinical symptoms and echocardiographic indices in patients with HF. Reduced selenium, a cofactor in the activation of CoQ10 levels, has also been found in HF. The present study evaluated the effects of the combination of CoQ10 and selenium on patients with HF. This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted on New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and III patients. The subjects were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups (n = 32 each). A questionnaire containing demographic characteristics, history of diseases, consumed medications, and NYHA class was filled out prior to the intervention. Echocardiography (the Simpson method) was also performed to determine the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the myocardial performance index (MPI). The intervention group then received 90 mg of CoQ10 and 200 μg of selenium per day for 3 months. The control group consumed placebos with an identical appearance during the same period. The NYHA class, LVEF, and MPI were reevaluated after the intervention. Two subjects from the intervention group and one from the control group were excluded during the course of the study. The two groups had no significant differences in terms of age, gender, history of diseases, consumed medications, and baseline NYHA class, LVEF, and MPI. However, intervention significantly improved the NYHA class, LVEF, and MPI. According to the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for age, gender, and baseline characteristics, the intervention improved the LV function indices in patients with HF. Based on our findings, combination therapy with selenium and CoQ10 led to clinical improvement and enhanced LV function indices in patients with HF. Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods can clarify the appropriateness of adding these supplements to the treatment protocols for HF.