Preventive Medicine Chosen as Site for National Institutes of Health Study on Chelation Therapy Five-Year Study Will Involve 2300 Patients and 100 Research Sites in the US

Preventive Medicine has been chosen to be a site for the National Institutes of Health sponsored 5-year Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT). Chelation Therapy is a safe and effective way to restore blood flow in persons with "hardening of the arteries without surgical intervention or heavy medication. Chelation is the process of removing certain damaging metals and elements from the body through use of an intravenously administered amino acid called EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid). EDTA binds to and eliminates calcium, lead, mercury and other minerals, which can cause ailments such as hardening of the arteries, heart disease, degenerative arthritis, and heavy metal poisoning.

Because of its ability to remove calcium and squelch damage to the arteries from free oxygen radicals, EDTA Chelation therapy has grown in popularity over the last several years as a treatment option for individuals with coronary artery disease. Prior to this study, no adequate research has been done on its effectiveness.

Dr. Varsha Rathod of Preventive Medicine, where Chelation therapy has been administered for many years, is thrilled to be a part of the study. "This is an important study for our patients and the medical community," said Dr. Rathod. "The study will provide the valuable information patients need to choose or dismiss Chelation as part of their treatment."

TACT is the first large-scale clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of EDTA Chelation therapy in individuals with coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The $30 million study is being led by Gervasio A. Lamas, M.D., director of cardiovascular research and academic affairs at Mount Sinai Medical Center-Miami Heart Institute in Miami Beach, Florida.

This TACT Study has concluded as of June, 2010

What will the study involve?

As a study participant, you will be assigned to receive chelation therapy or its placebo (inactive treatment). In addition, you will take either high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements or identical placebo pills. All participants will receive low-dose vitamin and mineral supplements. It is important that you continue to take your standard heart disease medications.

What are the costs?

There are no costs for taking part in the study. You should continue to see your regular doctor and maintain your health insurance to cover all medical care not included in the study.

How can I get more information?

Visit the study website at www.nccam.nih.gov/chelation or call Preventive Medicine at 314-997-5403.

Dr. Varsha Rathod is a Board Certified Rheumatologist and Internist at Preventive Medicine in the Westport Plaza area of St. louis, MO. The Practice has focused on a combination of traditional and holistic medicine since 1967.

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