Chelation Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammation
Chelation therapy consists of the intravenous administration of a solution
containing a chelating substance, most often ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic-acid
(EDTA). A single treatment consists of the solution being administered in our
centre over a period of three hours. At least twenty four hours must elapse between
treatments. Most patients and their doctors agree to treat twice weekly. The word
chelation comes from the Greek word chele, which means the claw of a crab or
lobster. The name was applied to the chemical process of binding organic
molecules to metal ions in order to remove the unwanted metal ions.
Our bodies accumulate unneeded metal ions (lead, cadmium, etc) from our
industrialized environment and cigarette smoke. These electrically charged
molecules and atoms interfere with the normal reactions taking place in the body's
cells. Such free radical pathology causes cells to function improperly. The free
radicals create abnormal cell walls as well as decreased functioning inside the cell.
The cell walls create deposits of abnormal cholesterol, then calcium to form
plaque. This plaque prevents the free flow of blood. The cells downstream from the
plaque do not receive enough oxygen. Without adequate oxygen the cells do not
function properly, and may even die. Depending on the organ or tissue affected the
result could be a stroke, heart attack or the gangrenous foot of a diabetic. Chelation
therapy decreases free radical activity by bonding and excreting metal ions, it also
removes calcium deposits from arteries and joints.
The cells lining the blood vessels become healthier, more flexible and smoother.
The plaque dissolves and circulation improves. Ones concentration and memory
can improve. The cells in joints become normalized and this can help improve
arthritis. EDTA chelation therapy, administered by a properly trained physician in
conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, diet, and nutritional supplements, is an option
to be seriously considered by persons suffering from coronary artery disease,
cerebral vascular disease, generalized atherosclerosis and related ailments. EDTA
chelation therapy is relatively non-toxic and risk-free. Patients routinely drive
themselves home after chelation treatment with no difficulty. Occasionally,
patients may suffer minor discomfort at the site where the needle enters the vein.
Some temporarily experience mild nausea, dizziness, or headache.
If EDTA chelation therapy is given too rapidly or in too large a dose it may cause
harmful side effects, just as an overdose of any other medicine can be dangerous.
Reports of serious and even rare fatal complications many years ago stemmed from
excessive doses of EDTA, administered too rapidly and without proper laboratory
monitoring. Blood and urine specimens will be obtained to determine metal
toxicity and also that no conditions exist, which may be worsened by chelation
therapy. Kidney function will be carefully assessed.
Several research studies have been published with results of before-and-after
diagnostic tests using radio-isotopes and ultra sound which prove statistically that
blood flow increases following chelation therapy. Even without blood-flow studies,
if leg pain on walking is relieved, if angina becomes less bothersome, and if physical
endurance and mental acuity improves, such benefits would be quite enough to
justify EDTA chelation therapy. Improved quality of life and relief of symptoms are
the most important benefits of chelation therapy. A $30 million dollar National
Institutes of Health (NIH) funded clinical study for the efficacy of chelation
therapy is underway. The new five-year Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT)
will involve over 1,500 patients at more than 100 research sites across the USA and
Canada. Participants will receive 40 intravenous infusions under methods
endorsed by the American College for Advancement in Medicine. This study was
taken to Canada in December, 2006 and The Wellness Centre is now
entering participants into the study