Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026
07:59
Acetylcholine Re-Challenge After Intracoronary Nitroglycerine Administration
Published on: April 4, 2022
1.8K
Chelation therapy in cardiovascular disease: an update.
Sulaiman Sultan1, Shishir Murarka2, Ahad Jahangir3
1a Center for Integrative Research on Cardiovascular Aging and Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Cardiovascular Services, Aurora Sinai/Aurora St. Luke's Medical Centers , University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Milwaukee , WI , USA.
Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology
|June 10, 2017
Summary
Chelation therapy using disodium edetate (EDTA) lacks sufficient evidence for cardiovascular disease prevention. While some studies show promise, particularly in post-MI diabetic patients, routine use is not recommended due to inadequate proof and potential harm.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Trials
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Off-label use of disodium edetate (EDTA) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention is common, despite limited FDA approval and evidence.
- Renewed interest in chelation therapy follows the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) for patients post-myocardial infarction (MI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence from observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on chelation therapy's effects on cardiovascular outcomes.
- To assess potential adverse effects and harms associated with chelation therapy.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Analysis of data from observational studies and RCTs, including the TACT trial.
Main Results:
- Encouraging results were observed in the TACT trial, particularly for the post-MI diabetic subgroup.
- Current evidence remains insufficient to support the routine recommendation of chelation therapy for CVD, even in specific subgroups.
Conclusions:
- Avoid unsubstantiated claims regarding chelation therapy for atherosclerosis.
- Patients should be informed about the inadequate evidence for efficacy and potential risks, especially if used instead of proven treatments.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
520
Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
520
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
474
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
474
01:19Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
1.4K
In complexation reactions, metal atoms or cations interact with ligands to form donor-acceptor adducts called metal complexes. Ligands that bind through one donor site are monodentate, ligands with two donor sites are bidentate, and those with more than two donor sites are polydentate ligands. For example, ethylene diamine is a bidentate ligand that binds through two nitrogen donor atoms, forming a five-membered ring. EDTA is a polydentate ligand that binds through four oxygen and two nitrogen...
1.4K
01:18Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
4.4K
Cardiovascular diseases, encompassing a range of conditions, can significantly affect the heart's operations and the overall circulatory system. These conditions impair the heart's ability to pump blood, leading to a deficit in oxygen supply to crucial organs. Anomalies in the heart's electrical system, known as arrhythmias, can cause heartbeats to accelerate or slow down. Usually, heart rates increase during physical activity and decrease while resting or sleeping. However,...
4.4K
01:29Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
551
Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
551
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
346
Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
346