Frequently Asked Questions

 

Chelation:

  1. How does Chelation work?

    2. Chelation therapy treats the underlying causes as well as the symptoms of heart disease, stroke, and poor circulation by removing plaque from inside the arteries through the use of the chemical EDTA. The treatment is accomplished with a series of intravenous treatments usually administered on an outpatient basis (doctor's office), in conjunction with a regimen of vitamins and minerals.

  2. What is plaque?

    3. Plaque is an accumulation of deposits which clog the inside of arteries, similar to the buildup of corrosion inside water pipes. It causes blockages and leads to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and poor circulation which, in turn, can lead to strokes and heart attacks. Plaque is composed of cholesterol, fats and calcium. Calcium is the 'glue' or 'cement' that holds plaque together. EDTA slowly pulls the calcium out of the plaque, gradually causing it to dissolve and be flushed out by the bloodstream. Chelation acts like a 'roto rooter', helping to clean out the arteries and allowing blood circulation to be restored.

  3. How effective are chelation treatments?

    4. Chelation treatments are about 85% successful. 85% of persons who have these treatments do as well as, or better than, they would have with bypass surgery.

  4. Is chelation safe?

    5. Yes, it is very safe. There have not been any mortalities due to chelation with the use of the ACAM protocol. ACAM is the American Academy of Advancement in Medicine, and trains doctors in the effective use of chelation therapy.

  5. Does chelation have other uses?

    6. Yes. EDTA chelation has been widely used for many years for the treatment of lead poisoning. It chemically 'bonds' with the lead, pulling it out of the bloodstream. This chemical 'bonding' also takes place with calcium, which hold plaque together, thus pulling the calcium out of the plaque.

  6. How many treatments are required?

    7. Most patients usually require between 20 and 40 treatments, at the rate of 2 treatments per week. Each treatment takes approximately one and an half to two hours. The number of treatments is dependent upon the illness.

  7. Is chelation covered by health care?

    8. Not as a rule. Some private insurance companies may cover part of the cost of the therapy. We provide you with itemized receipts to use for your tax submission.

  8. How much does chelation cost?

    9. Each treatment costs between $100 and $120. We advise patients to budget between $2500 and $4000 for the overall therapy. Initially, each patient has an extensive assessment and testing done prior to starting chelation. The cost of the assessment is $125, and the cost of the laboratory testing is variable. Patients with recent test are advised to bring us the results.

  9. What are the principal advantages of chelation therapy?

    10. Chelation treatments not only reduce chest pains (angina), but also, in most cases, improve the quality of life without requiring surgery - at considerably less expense. It is not physically or emotionally traumatic. The patient is able to comfortably perform sedentary activities during the treatments and is able to return to his normal activities after each treatment. Chelation is safe, usually painless, and beneficial effects are generally long lasting.

  10. Is chelation treatment used by itself?

    11. Chelation is part of a comprehensive therapy. It is enhanced when used with a total nutritional program. The patient is encouraged to give up cigarettes and adopt a good nutritional diet, including supplemental vitamins and minerals, and exercise.

  11. I'm too far away to be treated by you. Where can I find a doctor close to me?

    12. Contact ACAM for more information and a list of doctors near you.

 

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