Chelation Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease and Inflammation Chelation therapy consists of the intravenous administration of a solution containing a chelating substance, most often ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic-acid (EDTA). A single treatment consists of the solution being administered in our centre over a period of three hours. At least twenty four hours must elapse between treatments. Most patients and their doctors agree to treat twice weekly. The word chelation comes from the Greek word chele, which means the claw of a crab or lobster. The name was applied to the chemical process of binding organic molecules to metal ions in order to remove the unwanted metal ions. Our bodies accumulate unneeded metal ions (lead, cadmium, etc) from our industrialized environment and cigarette smoke. These electrically charged molecules and atoms interfere with the normal reactions taking place in the body's cells. Such free radical pathology causes cells to function improperly. The free radicals create abnormal cell walls as well as decreased functioning inside the cell. The cell walls create deposits of abnormal cholesterol, then calcium to form plaque. This plaque prevents the free flow of blood. The cells downstream from the plaque do not receive enough oxygen. Without adequate oxygen the cells do not function properly, and may even die. Depending on the organ or tissue affected the result could be a stroke, heart attack or the gangrenous foot of a diabetic. Chelation therapy decreases free radical activity by bonding and excreting metal ions, it also removes calcium deposits from arteries and joints. The cells lining the blood vessels become healthier, more flexible and smoother. The plaque dissolves and circulation improves. Ones concentration and memory can improve. The cells in joints become normalized and this can help improve arthritis. EDTA chelation therapy, administered by a properly trained physician in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, diet, and nutritional supplements, is an option to be seriously considered by persons suffering from coronary artery disease, cerebral vascular disease, generalized atherosclerosis and related ailments. EDTA chelation therapy is relatively non-toxic and risk-free. Patients routinely drive themselves home after chelation treatment with no difficulty. Occasionally, patients may suffer minor discomfort at the site where the needle enters the vein. Some temporarily experience mild nausea, dizziness, or headache. If EDTA chelation therapy is given too rapidly or in too large a dose it may cause harmful side effects, just as an overdose of any other medicine can be dangerous. Reports of serious and even rare fatal complications many years ago stemmed from excessive doses of EDTA, administered too rapidly and without proper laboratory monitoring. Blood and urine specimens will be obtained to determine metal toxicity and also that no conditions exist, which may be worsened by chelation therapy. Kidney function will be carefully assessed. Several research studies have been published with results of before-and-after diagnostic tests using radio-isotopes and ultra sound which prove statistically that blood flow increases following chelation therapy. Even without blood-flow studies, if leg pain on walking is relieved, if angina becomes less bothersome, and if physical endurance and mental acuity improves, such benefits would be quite enough to justify EDTA chelation therapy. Improved quality of life and relief of symptoms are the most important benefits of chelation therapy. A $30 million dollar National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded clinical study for the efficacy of chelation therapy is underway. The new five-year Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) will involve over 1,500 patients at more than 100 research sites across the USA and Canada. Participants will receive 40 intravenous infusions under methods endorsed by the American College for Advancement in Medicine. This study was taken to Canada in December, 2006 and The Wellness Centre is now entering participants into the study.