About Oral Chelation for High Blood Pressure

The term chelation describes a process whereby substances named chelating agents bind to metals or toxins to enable the body to safely excrete them in the urine or feces. While the scientific community generally validates the use of chelation for heavy metal detoxification, its use in hypertension remains controversial.

Ingredients

Chelation therapy most commonly uses EDTA as a chelating agent. According to Vanderbilt University, different forms that may be used include disodium EDTA, magnesium disodium EDTA and calcium disodium EDTA.

Oral vs. Intravenous Chelation

Patients usually receive chelation by injection for maximum absorption in the body. According to Cardio Renew, oral chelation is also effective because chelating agents, such as EDTA, can pass through the stomach and enter the bloodstream unaffected.

Types

Oral chelation treatments exist in the form of liquids, pills or capsules and generally last for several weeks. According to Cardio Renew, the body absorbs liquid chelators significantly better than chelation pills or capsules.

Effects on Hypertension Risk Factors

A 2009 issue of the Disease-a-month journal lists several theoretical benefits of EDTA chelation therapy, which can help lower blood pressure. These include the decalcification (reduction) of plaque, reduction of free radicals and lowering of blood cholesterol.

Other Potential Benefits

According to Disease-a-month, chelation therapy may help reduce blood iron and clot formation. By improving blood flow, these effects may also contribute to blood pressure normalization.

Considerations

Despite the controversies surrounding the use of chelation therapy for hypertension, Mount Rainier physician Elmer Cranton argues that it can improve blood flow in every blood vessel, with minimal risk of toxicity or side effects,

References

• Mount Rainier Clinic: Chelation Therapy
• Vanderbilt University: Chelation Therapy
• Cardio Renew: Hypertension and Oral Chelation
• "Disease-a-Month" journal; Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Preventing and Treating Cardiovascular Disease; William H. Frishman, M.D. et al.; Volume 55 (3); 2009
• Cardio Renew: Chelation Methods Comparison

Resources

• Henry Spink Foundation: Chelation Therapy