Chelation Therapy has been proven to increase the blood flow throughout the entire body, including the tiniest capillaries in the toes and fingers. (Unlike surgery which only improves blood flow in those specific vessels bypassed). Conditions that chelation has been reported to improve include: vision, blood pressure, prevention of heart attacks and strokes, improvement of angina pains, leg cramps, healing of ulcers caused by poor circulation, better blood cholesterol ratios, diabetes, poor memory, symptoms of Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, reduced incidence of cancer and improvement of some types of arthritis.

EDTA is a special type of amino acid molecule that has a unique property of binding to toxic metals, such as lead and cadmium, and removing them from the system. Compared to 200 years ago, we all have excess lead in our systems. These toxic metals inhibit vital enzyme function and increase free radical damage.

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 is used by the body when properly handled. However, uncontrolled free radicals can wreck havoc with surrounding tissues, just as sparks can get out of the fireplace and cause the rug to catch fire. Just like oxygen producing rust on iron, free radicals inside us can cause the body to “rust”.

Excess free radicals contribute to the obvious signs of aging such as wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity. Internal damage is less visible, but more serious. In addition to formation of free radicals in the body, we are exposed to them in the environment from air pollution, certain foods, and drugs. EDTA stops excessive free radical production, preventing damage to the body and allowing the body’s cells to heal.

EDTA also improves the integrity of cell membranes and helps establish prostaglandin hormone balance, which prevents spasm of the arteries, blood clots, plaque build-up and improves blood flow. It has been found that EDTA functions like a calcium blocker, preventing excess calcium from entering cells. Excess calcium inside cells leads to abnormal calcium-magnesium ratios which then accelerates cell aging and death. EDTA is also thought to improve arterial elasticity, allowing the arteries to be better able to relax and dilate.

Blood flow improves enough in many patients to relieve symptoms, promote, and improve quality of life. The laws of physics also tell us that a less than 10 percent increase in the diameter of a blood vessel will lead to doubling the blood flow.

Chelation Therapy can be utilized along with other forms of therapy, and is compatible with most drugs. Chelation therapy can also be used pre-bypass or post-bypass. Each case must be decided on the basis of what treatment, combination of treatments, or series of treatments is best for the particular individual.

Coronary Bypass surgery, which repairs only small sections of a few arteries, costs approximately $50,000. Chelation therapy is a biochemical treatment affecting the entire circulatory system. Total cost varies from two to five thousand dollars for 20 or more 3 hour medically supervised treatments, with appropriate testing and evaluation.

YES, it is legal. EDTA is an FDA approved drug, and can be used by a physician for any condition that the physician’s education and experience dictate. The FDA approves drugs for labeling, not for use. EDTA is labeled for emergency treatment of high calcium levels and heart arrhythmia secondary to digitalis toxicity. A slightly different form of EDTA is labeled for lead poisoning. EDTA is not labeled at present for atherosclerotic vascular disease.

EDTA Chelation Therapy has been used by physicians for over forty years 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 preventative medicine.

Insurance companies often pay for the diagnostic procedures but frequently deny payment for the “off label” use of EDTA.

Almost 1/2 million patients have received in excess of 6 million EDTA chelation treatments, without a single proven fatality caused by chelation when the treatment was properly administered. This is in contrast to coronary artery bypass surgery, where up to 5% or more of patients die. Up to 2% die during cardiac catheterization procedures. Side effects are possible with any drug treatment. Vein irritation, pain, headache, fatigue, and blood sugar changes can occur, although most chelation patients experience few if any side effects.

Approximately 80—85% of patients taking chelation report a reduction or elimination of symptoms and an increased sense of well being. Comparison of pre and post therapy diagnostic tests can provide objective evidence of effectiveness.