Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation in Orthostatic Hypotension and Multiple-System Atrophy: A Report on 7 Cases.

Background: Multiple-system atrophy is a neurologic disorder characterized by orthostatic hypotension, Parkinsonian signs, and cerebellar signs. Mutations in COQ2, an enzyme involved in coenzyme Q10 synthesis, were recently associated with familial and sporadic cases of multiple-system atrophy. I hypothesized that people with orthostatic hypotension with or without other symptoms of multiple-system atrophy might benefit from oral coenzyme Q10 administration.

Alcohol Consumption and Common Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: The USE-IMT Study.

Aims: Epidemiological evidence indicates a protective effect of light to moderate alcohol consumption compared to non-drinking and heavy drinking. Although several mechanisms have been suggested, the effect of alcohol on atherosclerotic changes in vessel walls is unclear. Therefore, we explored the relationship between alcohol consumption and common carotid intima media thickness, a marker of early atherosclerosis in the general population.

Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness: The USE-IMT study.

Background: The relation of a single risk factor with atherosclerosis is established. Clinically we know of risk factor clustering within individuals. Yet, studies into the magnitude of the relation of risk factor clusters with atherosclerosis are limited.

Race/Ethnic Differences in the Associations of the Framingham Risk Factors with Carotid IMT and Cardiovascular Events.

Background: Clinical manifestations and outcomes of atherosclerotic disease differ between ethnic groups. In addition, the prevalence of risk factors is substantially different. Primary prevention programs are based on data derived from almost exclusively White people.

Common carotid intima-media thickness relates to cardiovascular events in adults aged <45 years.

Although atherosclerosis starts in early life, evidence on risk factors and atherosclerosis in individuals aged <45 years is scarce. Therefore, we studied the relationship between risk factors, common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and first-time cardiovascular events in adults aged <45 years. Our study population consisted of 3067 adults aged <45 years free from symptomatic cardiovascular disease at baseline, derived from 6 cohorts that are part of the USE-IMT initiative, an individual participant data meta-analysis of general-population-based cohort studies evaluating CIMT measurements.