Chelation therapy has been used since 1955 as an alternative medicine treatment for heart disease. However, the results of studies to determine whether chelation therapy is effective in treating heart disease are mixed.
What Is Chelation Therapy?
Chelation therapy involves injecting a man-made amino acid, called EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), into a person's vein to rid their blood of heavy metal toxins, such as lead, arsenic, or mercury. EDTA works by binding to the heavy metal in the blood; the body is then able to eliminate both the EDTA and the metal through the urine.
There are different types of EDTA. Calcium-disodium EDTA (Versenate) has been shown to be effective in controlling lead poisoning, and disodium EDTA (Endrate) is alleged to be an effective treatment for heart disease. However, disodium EDTA has only been approved for use in the treatment of toxic levels of digitalis, a drug used to treat congestive heart failure and certain arrhythmias, or for hypercalcemia (excessive calcium levels), and it carries a warning against its use in any situation other than extreme emergencies.
Chelation Therapy and Heart Disease: The Pros
Supporters of chelation therapy claim it works on heavy metals in general, and argue that this ability to “clean” your blood may be, in part, why chelation therapy could be helpful for people with heart disease.
A recent survey of people who use chelation therapy for coronary artery disease showed that:
- 20 percent believed chelation could cure heart disease
- 44 percent thought it would help their symptoms
- 58 percent said it could improve their quality of life
- 62 percent said it gave them a sense of control over their heart disease
Chelation therapy for heart disease is usually delivered by intravenous (IV) drip in a doctor’s office once a week for up to 40 weeks and then monthly for as long as the patient and doctor agree to continue. Iron and lead chelators are often available as oral treatments.
Chelation Therapy and Heart Disease: The Cons
The American Heart Association does not recommend using chelation therapy as a general heart disease treatment. Other cons to using chelation therapy as a heart disease treatment include:
- Lack of scientific evidence. Research does not support the use of chelation therapy as a safe and effective heart disease treatment.
- Expense. Patients pay for chelation therapy out of their own pockets. A single treatment may cost up to $125, not including the costs of diagnostic tests, physician fees, or nutritional supplements recommended by the doctor providing the treatment.
- Inadequate care. People using chelation therapy to treat heart disease may delay seeking conventional medical treatments that have been proven to help coronary artery disease.
In addition, there are several possible side effects associated with chelation therapy, including:
- A burning or stinging sensation at the delivery site
- A loss of important nutrients, requiring vitamin and mineral supplementation
- Risk of death and other health complications, such as kidney failure and low blood pressure
Chelation Therapy: Current Research
As with many alternative medicines, chelation therapy is still being investigated. The National Institutes of Health is currently conducting a large clinical trial to find out whether chelation therapy is helpful for people with heart disease.
Chelation therapy has also been proposed as a treatment for schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, autism, cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no research supporting the use of chelation to treat these health concerns.
Before considering chelation therapy for heart disease or other illness besides heavy metal removal, arm yourself with as much information as possible and talk it over with your doctor.
Last Updated: 8/26/2009