Chelation Studied for Heart Disease

One of the most controversial treatments aimed at heart disease prevention has finally been tested in a placebo-controlled trial. Many doctors consider chelation therapy to remove plaque from arteries as a fringe practice. Nevertheless, thousands of patients with heart disease spend a great deal of money our of their own pockets to undergo this intravenous intervention.
In this study, over 1700 patients were randomly assigned to receive infusions of EDTA or a placebo solution. Results show a statistically significant but very small difference between the two groups. Thirty percent of those on placebo suffered heart attacks, strokes or hospitalization or death during the study. That compared to 26 percent of those getting the chelation therapy. The researchers admit that they were surprised that chelation showed any benefit at all. Because the results were so modest, however, they are not ready to recommend this approach for patients with heart disease.
[American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, November 5, 2012]