EDTA Chelation Therapy

[wlaldridge]

Has anyone ever heard of this?

Has anyone given it a try for removing plaque/calcification in the arteries or on the valves?

Is it just SNAKE OIL.

Some of the stuff I have read makes it sound too good to be true, which leads me to think, it probably is.

Just thought some of you great folks/researchers might cast some light into that corner, if possible.

 

[Mara]

Bill-
I have never heard of chelation for plaque, but have heard that people who have/had cancer and are on chemo or radiation get great benefit from chelation therapy. Mostly, it gives them a boost over the effects of the chemo or radiation, the naseau, puny feelings.

 

[ALCapshaw]

I've seen some 'mailers' touting Chelation therapy for Coronary Artery Disease but NEVER any reputable Cardiologist.

When it comes to calcified valves, I suspect it definitely falls into the Snake Oil category. I sure would NOT bet my life on this hype. Have you ever seen any reputable DATA on the success rates for this treatment?

Stick with the PROVEN techniques which for valve disease is REPLACEMENT SURGERY.

You and I and everyone on this forum knows it is scary going in. We also know that there is a very high success rate. And yes, it may not be the most pleasant thing to endure but WE and YOU can do it and come out better for having done it. Don't give in to your FEAR.

BELIEVE YOU WILL SURVIVE and lead a BETTER LIFE !

YOU CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN. GO FOR IT !

'AL'

 

[JimL]

After my surgery, I read on the treadmill a book by Julian Whitaker, who calls himself M.D., Is Heart Surgery Necessary?
It was very interesting, and I gathered some information from it, but it may well be in the snake oil category.
He talks at length about EDTA chelation, and you can get it from him at the Whitaker Wellness Institute, 4321 Birth Street, Suite 100, Newport Bearch (sic), CA 92660, 949-851-1550.
I have never heard what causes a heart valve to calcify? Is there an answer to that question?

 

[Nancy]

Hi Bill-

I've seen some of the darndest things touted as remedies for heart valve problems. It's really scary. I've looked at some of the herb websites and saw a lot of crazy stuff. The only thing that can help your calcified valve is found in the medical arena.

Don't get sucked in and try something unless you run it by your cardiologist. Some of these things could be harmful and you'll only be lining somebody's pocket at your expense.

If you are in need of surgery for your valve/s there must be a lot of stuff going on inside your heart. Be careful with your little engine.

 

[Nancy]

Hi Bill-

Just by coincidence, I came across a lengthy discussion of chelation therapy on the Webmd Heart Forum.

Here's the link. I hope it works to get you there:

http://boards.webmd.com/roundtable_topic/4

 

[jackc]

EDTA Chelation Therapy

In one of my cardiac rehab clinics the topic came up. The folks there said to date there is no evidence to support the claims.
In fairness tho' they said new research was just beginning to test the ideas once and for all. We'll have to wait.

Here in Canada, apparently quite a few people try it. I have no idea of the success.

jackc ( Welland )

 

[ALCapshaw]

One more comment on Chelation Therapy and patients with SEVERE Stenosis.

First, EVEN IF this process MIGHT work, I would expect it to be a very gradual process, i.e., it would take TIME to produce any benefit.

An effective valve area of 0.6 sq cm corresponds roughly to a 3/8 inch diameter opening. Ask your Cardiologist how long it would take for this small opening to close over. Then remind yourself that once it is closed over, it's ALL OVER, no second chances. Bottom Line: if you have severe aortic stenosis, get to a surgeon ASAP.

Note that a healthy valve will have at least 2 to 4 times that effective area, maybe more (anybody know the range of sizes of healthy adult aortic valve openings?)

'AL'

 

[wlaldridge]

Thanks to all,

Al: I understand completely the meaning of my valve opening. I even drew a scale drawing to visualize it. The normal opening is 2 cm sq. Iwas considered mild at 1.02. in 1995 and the cardio I saw then said 15-20 years and I "might" need to talk about valve replacement.

Of course, at .7 only 7 years later I knew my days were numbered the test was in February and I did not get the result til June when I went looking for it. Anyway, I might have tried the Chelation had I had that info in Feb or March. But now I know I do not have time to monkey around with snake oil. It does appeal. It takes about 20 to 30 IV doses to obtain results, "they" say assuming the kidneys can process it without damage. But 3-4 hours infusion time on each treatment day would be almost as bad as the surgery/recovery but somewhat less invasive. At .61 I am with you, even tho I am not symptomatic and I walk 3-4 miles a day with no adverse effect, I am cutting back since the cardiologist is so concerned about the valve there is not much time to waste. A different cardio in the same practice as my guy had told my PCP after reading my echos that I should wait for symptoms then pull the trigger. A week later I saw the present guy trying to get a stress test and new echo done. He said, "I can tell you all you need to know from listening to your heart--you are severely stenotic and symptoms or not--think about and plan the surgery not in a year but in a month or two" I listened to him.

I think I am glad, one day soon I will probably get symptoms and then I know I will be glad..

I helped my son and his wife move last week and I carried boxes and climbed stairs in 95 degree heat and humidity with no ill effects. I was watching pretty carefully for any sign.

Thanks again, I was hoping someone would say if they had tried the EDTA thing tho.