Question 307 of 433
Does chelation therapy clean out arteries?
The short answer
No. A large, well-run trial settled this in 2024.
Chelation is a series of infusions that bind metals in the blood. It was promoted for decades as an alternative to heart procedures. An earlier trial hinted at benefit in people with diabetes, so a second was done to confirm it: nearly 1,000 patients with diabetes and a prior heart attack received forty weekly infusions or placebo. There was no difference in heart events. As a cardiologist, I consider the question closed.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
NEGATIVE HUMAN TRIAL — Patients with diabetes and prior MI: TACT2 did not reduce cardiovascular events; metal poisoning is a different indication.Evidence grade (draft mapping)FNot demonstrated / insufficientPart 20, Q307 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.