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Chelation Therapy What is Chelation Therapy? This page is archived as of 8/14/06. Please click here for current practice information. We no longer administer Chelation Therapy. The word chelation comes from the Greek word chelos, which means claw and refers to the ability of some chemicals to claw or grab on to metals and minerals and then transport them out of the body through the kidney. Physicians have used a variety of chelating medicines in to improve health. One of the most common chelating agents is EDTA (ethylene- diamine tetraacetic acid) which is a synthetic amino acid. In the 1940's and 1950's, EDTA was found to be a safe and effective treatment for lead toxicity and was approved for that purpose. It was observed that some patients who coincidentally had symptoms of heart disease, such as angina improved while undergoing lead toxicity treatment. Since that time, the use of chelation therapy for vascular disease has been controversial. To date, the FDA has not approved EDTA chelation therapy for vascular disease, but the status of EDTA as an approved drug for lead toxicity allows physicians to use it for other conditions including vascular disease. How does chelation therapy work? The exact mechanism of action by which EDTA improves vascular disease has not been determined. Several mechanisms have been proposed including: EDTA improves cell metabolism by removing toxic heavy metals such lead, cadmium, aluminum and mercury. By removing excess iron from the circulation EDTA may reduce so called free radical cell damage. Additionally, EDTA binds calcium in the blood and favorably alters the balance of calcium and magnesium in the cell. Finally, EDTA reduces the tendency of blood to clot. For what conditions is chelation therapy used? EDTA chelation therapy has been used by physicians for more than forty years to treat a number of conditions: cardiovascular disease (angina), diabetic arterial disease, and decreased mental function from vascular disease and intermittent claudication (leg pain on exercise from poor circulation). It also may be used as preventive medicine as part of a healthy aging program. How is chelation therapy administered? EDTA chelation therapy is administered intravenously in the doctor's office. The intravenous solution is composed of EDTA, vitamin C, magnesium and certain B vitamins. Treatments take 1½ to 3 hours to administer and are generally given on a weekly basis. Most patients require between 30 to 40 treatments. Chelation therapy patients are advised to follow a comprehensive approach to their health, including diet, exercise, stress management and dietary supplements. Is chelation therapy accepted in the medical community? No, for years the conventional medical opinion has been that chelation therapy is unproven. Double blind scientific studies evaluating chelation therapy for vascular disease have not been done. Nonetheless, 22 million people worldwide have taken a course of chelation to improve their health and circulation. The observational evidence thus far reveals that chelation therapy is a safe and often effective therapy for vascular disease. Dr. Halbert is presently involved in research that hopefully will further clarify the role of chelation therapy in treating vascular disorders. Who should consider chelation therapy? Anyone with the following medical problems should consider undergoing chelation therapy: Angina, heart attack or coronary artery disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack, carotid artery disease, diabetes, poor arterial circulation of the legs, leg ulcers, or a history of artery bypass surgery or angioplasty. How do I make an appointment for chelation therapy? Set up an initial evaluation with Dr. Halbert to discuss the appropriateness of chelation therapy for your medical problem. Return to Patient Services Home | Supplement Order Form Steven C. Halbert M.D. 1442 Ashbourne Road · Wyncote, PA 19095 · 215-886-7842 · 215-887-1921 (fax)