CHELATION THERAPY

The information presented here reflects the opinions of one segment of the medical profession. Please be advised that varying and even conflicting views are held by other physicians. As with many medical treatments, scientific research on EDTA chelation therapy is ongoing. The information presented here is educational in nature and is not intended as a basis for diagnosis or treatment of any disease.

How does Vascular Disease Affect Health?

When blood vessels become blocked by plaque, blood flow to vital organs is reduced, starving them for oxygen and other nutrients. The loss of circulation caused by this "hardening of the arteries" - also known as atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis - can lead to heart disease, stroke and memory loss. It can also prevent sores from healing and lead to gangrene in feet and legs. These conditions are more common in diabetics and smokers, and much of the time they are the result of lifestyle choices (diet, lack of exercise, high stress).

If you have chest pain or leg pain on walking, shortness of breath, painful or discolored feet, transient loss of vision or failing memory, see a physician! if you haven't already.

What is EDTA Chelation Therapy?

EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid) is a synthetic amino acid which has the ability to attach itself to metals and minerals, forming a particular kind of bond called a chelate. In the 1940's and 50's EDTA was found to be a safe and effective treatment for lead toxicity and was approved for use as a drug for that purpose. In many cases, patients who coincidentally had symptoms of heart disease such as angina, improved while undergoing lead toxicity treatment. Since that time, scientific opinion and evidence that EDTA chelation therapy is effective in treating blood vessel disease has been growing. To date, the FDA has not approved EDTA chelation therapy for vascular devices, but the status of EDTA as an approved drug for lead toxicity permits physicians to use it for other conditions, including vascular disease. This kind of discretionary use of approved drugs by physicians is common to a number of medical treatments.

The exact mechanism of action by which EDTA improves blood-flow has not been determined and it probably works in several ways. One theory is that it reduces "free radicals". Free radicals are highly active molecular fragments formed during the production of energy in the cells. They have high energy, like sparks in a fireplace, and this energy can be used by the body, when properly handled. However, if free radicals get out of control, they can cause damage to surrounding tissues, just a sparks that get out of a fireplace can cause the rug to catch fire. Excess free radicals contribute to the obvious signs of aging such as wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity and are thought to contribute to the development of vascular and other diseases. This internal damage is less visible but even more serious.

In addition to the formation of free radicals in the body, people are exposed to them in the environment from various sources such as polluted air, certain foods and drugs. Heavy metals also cause an increased production of free radicals. EDTA's ability to remove heavy metals and excess iron that may have accumulated in the body may explain the effect it has in helping to prevent and reverse vascular disease.

Another theory is that EDTA works by binding calcium in the bloodstream and altering the intracellular balance of calcium with magnesium, favorably affecting circulation.

EDTA chelation therapy has been used to treat a number of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetic arterial disease, decreased mental function from vascular disease and intermittent claudication ( leg pain on exercise). It is also used as a preventive medicine.

How is Chelation Therapy Administered?

EDTA chelation therapy involves intravenous infusions of EDTA over a course of treatments in a doctor's office. Chelation therapy patients are also advised to take a comprehensive approach to their treatment and health, including, as needed, diet, exercise, stress management programs and dietary supplements. As with any medical treatment, patients should insure that their treating physicians have appropriate training and credentials for administration of EDTA chelation therapy.

How Does Chelation Therapy Compare to Other Treatments?

EDTA chelation therapy has been used safely for over forty years. The development of the heart-lung machine has allowed the growth of more invasive techniques such as bypass surgery and a number of drugs are now used to treat vascular diseases and chelation therapy can and often is used in conjunction with other treatments. Depending on your individual health issues, one or another approach may be appropriate for you and in some cases surgery may be indicated. You should discuss the options available to you and the associated risks with a doctor.

As with many medical treatments, including bypass surgery, scientific studies on chelation therapy are continuing - as are the debates among medical professionals on the relative merits of different approaches to the treatment of vascular diseases. While the use of chelation therapy has been controversial, there is also controversy about how much of the bypass surgery that is being done is really necessary. Because it has a favorable safety and side effect profile and does not preclude the concurrent or subsequent use of other treatments, chelation therapy is worthy of consideration by those suffering from vascular disease.