As you probably know, cardiovascular disease continues to be our nation's number one killer. No one would like to find a magic treatment for this very complex problem more than me. Unfortunately, no such quick fix is available.

CHELATION THERAPY

Over the years, I have been asked by numerous patients with heart disease if they should consider chelation therapy. My response has always been, "There is nothing in the scientific literature that justifies that course of therapy." According to a recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (January 23/30, 2002), that response is still appropriate.

Chelation (pronounced "key-lay-tion") therapy was developed many years ago as an antidote for mustard gas poisoning during wartime. Chelating agents actually bind to toxic metals, like iron or lead, and carry them out of the body.

One of the theories behind using chelation therapy in the treatment of heart disease is that it may liberate some of the calcium from the plaques that build up inside the arteries of the heart and cause heart attacks. Another theory is that it acts as a free radical scavenger, keeping the cholesterol from being oxidized, which is a form of cholesterol that causes plaques to develop. Reduction of total body iron stores is another theory that may or may not have a beneficial effect on preventing heart attacks. 

The problem is there is nothing in the scientific literature to indicate that chelation therapy does any good at all. One recent review concluded that chelation therapy for coronary heart disease should be considered "obsolete." This new study by a group of researchers at the University of Calgary and Calgary Regional Health Authority came to essentially the same conclusion. Looking at exercise time to ischemia (insufficient blood flow), exercise capacity, and quality of life measurements, the Canadian group found "no evidence to support a beneficial effect of chelation therapy." 

The chelating agent, usually an amino acid mixture called EDTA, is often used in combination with oral vitamins and minerals. The treatment is not cheap. A usual series of EDTA treatments will cost approximately $4,000, but the cost is not a barrier for many patients. When faced with a serious disease, many patients are willing to try (and pay) just about anything if they feel there is even a possibility of cure.

MY RECOMMENDATION

Believe me, if somewhere down the road we discover a "magic treatment" we will do everything possible to spread the word. In the meantime, I recommend doing everything you can to prevent heart disease. Follow an American Heart Association type diet, get regular exercise, don't smoke, achieve and maintain a proper weight, and make sure to get regular physicals, especially after the age of 40.
At the Cooper Clinic, we recommend a maximum stress test for men starting at age 40 and women at age 50. Make sure you know your cholesterol (both HDL and LDL), as well as homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels.

Cardiovascular disease is very complex, and the most common first symptom is sudden death, so don't take any chances. Practice good preventive medicine and your chances of living a long and healthy life will be greatly increased.

Sincerely,


Ken Cooper, M.D., M.P.H.

****Dr. Cooper is known as the "father of aerobics" and is the Founder and C.E.O. of The Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas, Texas. He is the author of 18 books including, "Regaining the Power of Youth at Any Age," and "Controlling Cholesterol the Natural Way." For additional information, including a free e-mail newsletter, or to learn more about Cooper Complete multivitamins visit www.cooperaerobics.com/supplements. You may also call 1-877-243-2584 (1-877-2-HEALTH).