Major research findings

Chelation therapy is a form of alternative medicine that is used to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. 1 The theory behind this treatment is that removing heavy metals from the body can help to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart disease. 3 However, the efficacy of chelation therapy is controversial, and there is limited high-quality research to support its use.

A study published in 2007 found that oral copper chelation with tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) significantly inhibited in-stent restenosis in porcine coronary arteries. 10 The study found that TTM-treated animals had significantly smaller neointimal volumes and larger minimal lumen areas compared to control animals. This suggests that copper chelation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention of in-stent restenosis.

The Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) was a large, randomized controlled trial that investigated the effectiveness of intravenous EDTA-based chelation therapy in patients who had suffered a heart attack. 5 , 7 The study found that chelation therapy reduced cardiovascular events by 18% in the overall patient population, and by 41% in patients with diabetes. 5 This finding suggests that chelation therapy may be beneficial for some patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly those with diabetes. However, TACT also found that chelation therapy can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, a common blood thinner. 13

Despite the encouraging results of TACT, the evidence is insufficient to recommend the routine use of chelation therapy. 2 Further research is needed to determine the optimal use of chelation therapy and to assess its long-term effects. 2

Benefits and risks

Benefit Summary

Chelation therapy may be beneficial for some patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly those with diabetes. 5 It may also be helpful in preventing in-stent restenosis. 10

Risk Summary

Chelation therapy has potential risks, including interference with the effectiveness of warfarin and possible renal damage. 13 , 18

Comparison between studies

Commonalities of studies

Many studies have found that chelation therapy can be beneficial for patients with cardiovascular disease. 10 , 5 However, the mechanisms by which chelation therapy works are not fully understood. 2

Differences between studies

Studies on chelation therapy differ in their methods and findings. Some studies have focused on the effects of chelation therapy on in-stent restenosis, 10 while others have examined its impact on cardiovascular events in patients who have had heart attacks. 5

Consistency and contradictions in the results

The results of studies on chelation therapy are inconsistent. Some studies have found that chelation therapy is effective, 5 while others have found that it is not. More research is needed to determine the true effectiveness of chelation therapy.

Points to note about applying the results to everyday life

Chelation therapy is a controversial treatment. While there is some evidence to suggest that it may be beneficial for some patients, 5 more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. 2 Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of chelation therapy with their doctor before making a decision about whether to pursue this treatment.

Limitations of current research

Current research on chelation therapy is limited by the lack of large, well-designed studies. 2 More research is needed to determine the optimal use of chelation therapy and to assess its long-term effects. 2

Future directions for research

Future research on chelation therapy should focus on identifying the optimal use of chelation therapy, assessing its long-term effects, and investigating its mechanisms of action. 2

Conclusion

The use of chelation therapy is controversial and there is limited high-quality evidence to support its use. While there is some evidence to suggest that chelation therapy may be beneficial for some patients, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety. 2 Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of chelation therapy with their doctor before making a decision about whether to pursue this treatment.