Chelation Therapy &

CAD
PRESENTED BY : MS. KUSUM
MSc.NURSING , 4TH SEMESTER.

Chelation Therapy?
Chelation therapy is an
investigational form of
complementary or alternative
therapy that uses the man-made
amino acid, called EDTA (ethylene
diamine tetra acetic acid).
EDTA is administered via an IV.

What is Chelation?
Greek word chelos meaning claw
Refers to an organic molecule binding a
mineral tightly
Examples: chlorophyll is a chelate of
magnesium and hemoglobin is a chelate
of iron
EDTA is a synthetic amino acid capable of
binding to lead, cadmium and other toxic
metals, as well as calcium

Chelating Agents and

Chelation Therapy

Many chelating agents

EDTA is a chelating agent approved by
the FDA to remove lead from the body
Chelation therapy involves administering
a chelating agent for the purpose of
removing a toxic mineral from the body
Removal of toxic minerals may help
coronary artery disease because there is
evidence that toxic minerals may play a
role in coronary artery disease

Brief History of EDTA

Chelation Therapy

1950s-EDTA found to be useful to treat lead

poisoning
Dr. Clark in the 1950s reasoned that since EDTA is
also capable of binding calcium and calcium is found
in the clogged arteries in the plaque, perhaps EDTA
could be used to treat coronary artery disease
Initial clinical observations were very promising and
several papers were published supporting its use
Three small randomized placebo controlled studies
in recent years failed to show benefits
Controversy rages over whether or not it is beneficial

Technique for EDTA

Chelation Therapy for CAD
Disodium EDTA is a synthetic amino acid
Chelates or binds heavy metals and
calcium
Intravenous infusion given for 3 hours
Administered in MDs office once a week,
usually for 30 to 50 treatments
Magnesium, potassium, vitamins B6, C,
heparin and other components added to
infusion

EDTA Chelation Therapy

for CAD is Part of Full
Program
Part of a total program that involves
diet, supplements, exercise, stress
management and medication
Depletes trace minerals, so these
must be replaced with good diet,
oral & IV minerals
Side effects minimal when the
ACAM protocol is followed

www.fitchicago.com

How it possibly works to

decrease CAD
Atheromatous plaque is one of the
leading causes of CAD.
A major component of plaque is
calcium.
3-Theories of plaque removal:
EDTA might break up atheromatous plaque.
EDTA may activate a hormone that sets
calcium free.
Chelation therapy may reduce oxidative stress
on walls of blood vessels.

Atherosclerotic Artery

www.mcdonaghmed.com

Chelation- claw-like
formation

www.mcdonaghmed.com/images/Chelation5.jpg

Proposed Mechanisms
for How Chelation
Therapy
Works
Reduces free radicals
Removes toxic minerals, such as
lead and cadmium, which may
contribute to CAD
Removes soft tissue calcium
Others

Common Uses of Chelation

Therapy
Chelation therapy has primarily been
used as agent to detoxify heavy metals
such as calcium, iron, magnesium, lead
and zinc.
EDTA binds to these metal ions because
of its strong affinity for cations.
The bound metal ions are then excreted
in the urine.

Toxicities Related to
Chelation Therapy
chelation therapy must be used with
supplementation of calcium
There have been a few deaths
recorded related to hypocalcemia as
a result of chelation therapy
-stroke- calcium facilitates the
conversion of prothrombin - > thrombin
-heart attacks calcium helps to
regulate heartbeats

Possible Side Effects of

Properly Given EDTA
Chelation
Therapy
Generally side effects
are few and not serious

Most common is irritation at the site of infusion

Rare side effects can include:

Fever
Low blood pressure
Low serum
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Injury to the kidneys
Others, but extremely

Criteria for Usage of

Chelation Therapy with
CAD
Patients using Chelation therapy must

follow strict criteria:

CAD must be in a stable state

Prior to treatment patient must have cardiac
function measured using a electrocardiogram
ECG
functioning kidney and liver
Normal blood count
No cancerous growth and no other infectious
immune compromising diseases
Need to have a nutrition screen done
Must continue regular CAD treatment with
physician

Conclusion
Chelation therapy has been used as a
successful treatment for toxicities with
minerals lead, magnesium, zinc, calcium
and iron.

Calcium is a major component of plaque

that causes CAD.
At this time it is difficult to find reasonable
cause to support or deny the efficacy of
chelation therapy on CAD.

References
Knudtson, ML., et al., Chelation Therapy for Ischemic Heart Disease:
A randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA, 2002; 287, 4; 481-486.
http://proquest.umi.com/
Retrieved: 7/5/06
Mahan, L K., Escott-Stump, S. Krauses Food Nutrition and Diet Therapy,
11th ed. Philidelphia: Saunders, 2004.
Nash, RA., Metals in Medicine. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine,
2005;11, 4; 18-26.
http://proquest.umi.com/
Retrieved: 6/26/06
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institute
of Health. Learn More About Chelation Therapy and the Study, 2006.
http://nccam.nih/gov/chelation/chelationstudy.htm
Retrieved: 6/23/06
Shrihari, JS, et al., Role of EDTA chelation therapy in cardiovascular diseases.
The National Medical Journal of India, 2006;19.
http://www.nmji/archives
Retrieved: 7/5/06

Chelation Therapy
The End!