Chelation therapy is popularly used for the treatment of atherosclerosis. However, because of its many benefits, chelation therapy has been applied to other disorders as well. Reductions of Free Radicals in the Blood - Free radicals cause lipid peroxidation which initiates atherosclerosis. This chemical reaction also involves iron, copper and calcium ions. EDTA, the drug used in chelation therapy binds to these ions and stop artery wall injuries. This protective function of EDTA is potentiated by the presence of antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E, selenium and glutathione peroxidase. All of these agents increase the integrity of cell membranes. Repairs Damaged Tissues and Improves Cellular Energy Production - A cell needs an adequate energy supply for its functions, protection from free radicals, prevention of premature aging, and in cell growth and differentiation during the process of tissue healing. Reduces Blood Viscosity and Blood Clotting - EDTA reduces blood platelet formation thereby making blood less sticky and easy to flow through small sized arteries. Regulates Blood Cholesterol and High Density Lipoprotein Levels - EDTA increases the HDL also called “good cholesterol” and lowers LDL (low lipid lipoprotein) which is the “bad cholesterol”. Removes Calcium Ions from Atherosclerotic Plaques - Through this mechanism, EDTA softens and breaks chunks of plaques from the arterial wall. Chelation therapy is also indicated in cancer, depression, improving mental health, reduction of fatigue and other neurological, cardiovascular, skin, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital symptoms. Administration of Chelation Therapy Prior to chelation therapy or administration of EDTA infusion, a health practitioner should always conduct a thorough medical examination of the patient. This usually involves history taking, interviews regarding diet, emotional health, stress levels and symptomatology, and physical examination. Next, the patient goes through a series of laboratory and diagnostic tests. If a patient qualifies for chelation therapy, a liquid infusion of EDTA which contains 2 to 3 grams of EDTA is administered together with other minerals and supplements prescribed by the doctor. The arm should be kept stable during the procedure. The infusion rate is usually 1 drop per second and 2 or 3 infusions are given every week. A complete regimen consists of 20 to 30 EDTA infusions. Proper drug monitoring involves blood and urine screening. EDTA is mainly eliminated by the kidneys and secondarily by the bile. Side Effects of Chelation Therapy Common side effects encountered during chelation therapy are: headaches, local skin irritation, nausea and upset stomach, diarrhoea, feelings of faintness, fatigue, cramps, joint pain, kidney toxicity, excessive removal of calcium, vascular inflammation, insulin shock and hypoglycaemia, and congestive heart failure. In summary, chelation therapy is safe just as long as it is administered by a competent therapist. Also, proper doses of EDTA should be computed as the drug dose schedule of chelation therapy should be individualized. The physician should monitor the side effects of chelation therapy and be vigilant in withdrawing drug treatment in cases of severe reactions. Medical researches show, however, that there are no fatalities in chelation therapy. 

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