From the Research
It is not recommended to give coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to patients with hemorrhagic stroke in the acute phase due to its potential to worsen bleeding. The primary concern in the acute phase of a hemorrhagic stroke is to control and stop the bleeding, and any substance with even mild blood-thinning effects, such as CoQ10, could theoretically increase the risk of continued bleeding or rebleeding 1.
Considerations for CoQ10 Supplementation
- CoQ10 has mild antiplatelet and anticoagulant properties that could potentially worsen bleeding in hemorrhagic stroke patients.
- Theoretical risks outweigh potential benefits in the acute setting.
- Limited research specifically examines CoQ10 in hemorrhagic stroke patients.
Alternative Approaches
- Once the patient has stabilized and moved into the recovery phase (typically several weeks after the stroke), CoQ10 supplementation might be considered, but only after consultation with the patient's neurologist or stroke specialist.
- If CoQ10 is being considered for other health reasons, such as for its antioxidant properties or to address statin-related muscle symptoms, alternative treatments without anticoagulant effects should be explored until the hemorrhagic stroke has fully stabilized 2, 3.
Recent Studies
- A 2025 study found that CoQ10 supplementation reduced oxidative stress in patients with acute ischemic stroke, but this does not directly apply to hemorrhagic stroke patients 1.
- Another study from 2019 suggested that CoQ10 supplementation improved acute outcomes of stroke in rats pretreated with atorvastatin, but again, this is not directly applicable to human hemorrhagic stroke patients 2.
Clinical Decision Making
In clinical practice, the decision to use CoQ10 in patients with hemorrhagic stroke should prioritize minimizing risks of further bleeding and ensuring patient stability before considering any potential benefits of CoQ10 supplementation 4, 5.