Chelation Therapy for Hypertension

Chelation therapy, though traditionally used to fight mercury poisoning, is also thought to be helpful in treating heart disease and hypertension. The idea behind chelation is that when a certain amino acid is introduced to the body, heavy metals will bind to it and be excreted from the body in urine. Some physicians believe the theory also applies to the plaque that clogs arteries and causes hypertension and heart disease.

Chelation

• Chelation therapy describes an intravenous infusion of the amino acid ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). When EDTA enters the bloodstream it binds the minerals and creates a new compound. This compound then will leave the body via your urine. Supporters of chelation for hypertension and herart disease believe the therapy can stop damage as the EDTA binds to the calcium in arterial blockages and flushes it from the system.

Function

• If you plan to undergo chelation therapy, expect to sit through five to 30 sessions where an IV line will be inserted into your arm or hand for an EDTA infusion. Each session lasts about three-and-a-half hours, and there should be no pain at all. Chelation therapy is done on an outpatient basis, so you will be free to leave once the session has ended. Side effects of chelation include swollen ankles and a frequent need to urinate. Vitamins will also be administered during the therapy since your body will most likely lose precious vitamins and minerals during the process.

Controversy

• According to the American Heart Association, some doctors feel chelation can worsen overall health, and the FDA has not approved the treatment for hypertension. According to a Mayo Clinic study, chelation did not affect heart disease whatsoever. Among the dangers of chelation therapy are kidney failure, shock, low blood pressure, respiratory arrest and heart arrhythmia. The American Heart Association calls it an unproven "miracle cure."