<unk>  is a process by which an organic molecule with a negatively charged “pocket” complexes with a metal ion of opposite charge, inactivates it, and then permits its physiological mobilization and excretion, usually by a renal route.<unk>  therapy, which involves multiple administrations of a<unk> g agent, helps eliminate stored toxic metal ions from the body. Common chelators include penicillamine, which binds copper and can be used to treat Wilson’s<unk> , deferoxamine, which binds iron and is used in the treatment of thalassemia and iron overload, succimer, also used in the treatment of lead poisoning, and the edetates, non-specific chelators of metals and other ions with valences of +2 to +6.<unk>  therapy is, in many cases, guideline mandated, such as in children with elevated blood lead levels, patients with iron overload and dyserythropoietic syndromes or chronic hemolytic anemia, or sickle cell<unk>  and transfusion acquired iron-overload, to name a few instances.
Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA, edetate) and its salts (most commonly disodium or calcium disodium), commonly used<unk> g agents patented in 1938, bind to and permit the urinary excretion of divalent cations such as calcium, and metals such as lead, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, iron, aluminum, and others. The initial medical use for EDTA began after World War II for the treatment of lead-exposed naval workers. In addition to its use for the treatment of metal poisoning, since the 1950s<unk>  therapy has been considered an alternative or add-on therapy for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic<unk> .  The use of edetate disodium (Na2EDTA) has been most prominent in the alternative medicine treatment of atherosclerosis primarily because of the still-unproven hypothesis that the hypocalcemia it induces might lead to the decalcification of atherosclerotic lesions. In fact, the most current research suggests that the probable mechanism of benefit centers on enhancement of toxic metal excretion.
Chelation therapy for cardiovascular disease
Cardiomyopathy medical therapy
Diabetic neuropathy medical therapy
Coronary heart disease medical therapy
Peripheral neuropathy interventions
Dual antiplatelet therapy
Diabetic nephropathy medical therapy
Warfarin over anticoagulation