What Is Chelation Therapy?

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment that uses specialized compounds to bind and remove heavy metals and certain minerals from the body. The term “chelation” comes from the Greek word chele, meaning “claw,” describing the way chelating agents bind tightly to metals so they can be excreted through the kidneys.

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Why Chelation?

Heavy Metal Detoxification

Toxic metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium can accumulate in the body over time. This can happen in two ways:

Increased Exposure — from environmental, occupational, dietary, or lifestyle sources, such as old pipes, lead-based paints, industrial emissions, contaminated foods, and certain personal care products.
Decreased Detoxification Ability — due to genetic factors, chronic illness, nutrient deficiencies, poor gut health, or liver overload. When detox pathways slow down, even low-level exposures can lead to significant buildup.

Both scenarios increase toxic burden and the risk of related health problems, including neurological changes, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and cardiovascular disease.
Learn more about supporting your body’s natural detox pathways on our Detoxification page.

Cardiovascular Support

Chelation therapy has also been studied for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health. EDTA chelation can help reduce calcium buildup in arterial walls (vascular calcification), potentially improving blood vessel function and circulation.

One of the largest studies to examine this was the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT), sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Results suggested that EDTA chelation — especially in patients with a prior heart attack and diabetes — may offer cardiovascular benefits.

Common Sources of Heavy Metal Exposure

Lead — old plumbing pipes, lead-based paints, contaminated soil, imported pottery or cookware, certain cosmetics
Mercury — dental amalgam fillings, large predatory fish (tuna, swordfish, shark), some vaccines and industrial emissions
Cadmium — cigarette smoke, batteries, industrial fumes, contaminated food and water
Arsenic — contaminated groundwater, rice, pesticides, certain pressure-treated woods
Aluminum — cookware, food packaging, certain antacids, deodorants

Signs & Symptoms of Heavy Metal Accumulation

Heavy metal toxicity can be subtle and develop over years. Possible symptoms include:

Fatigue or low energy
Memory problems, brain fog, or poor concentration
Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
Joint or muscle pain
Digestive disturbances
Headaches or migraines
Unexplained skin rashes
Mood changes, anxiety, or depression
High blood pressure or cardiovascular concerns
Reproductive or hormonal imbalances

Our Approach at Glendale Whole Health

Before beginning chelation therapy, we perform a thorough medical evaluation and appropriate laboratory testing, including heavy metal testing, kidney function, and cardiovascular risk markers. This ensures safety and customizes your treatment plan.

Chelation Protocols at Glendale Whole Health

We tailor chelation therapy to your specific goals — whether the priority is removing heavy metals, improving cardiovascular health, or both.

1. Heavy Metal Detoxification Protocol – EDTA Alone

Purpose: To bind and remove toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic.
Chelating Agent: EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) delivered intravenously over approximately 1.5–3 hours.
Mechanism: EDTA binds to metals in the bloodstream; the EDTA–metal complex is then excreted through the urine.
Frequency: Typically once weekly (or as tolerated) for a series of treatments based on test results and exposure history.
Support: Oral mineral supplementation may be prescribed to replace beneficial minerals that can be removed along with toxic metals.

2. Cardiovascular Support Protocol – EDTA + Phosphatidylcholine (PC)

Purpose: For patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or vascular calcification, to improve vessel health, elasticity, and blood flow.
Step 1 – EDTA IV: Targets calcium deposits in arterial walls, reduces vascular calcification, and improves endothelial function.
Step 2 – PC IV: Administered in a separate infusion (often on a different day). PC repairs cell membranes, mobilizes certain fats and plaque components, and improves arterial elasticity.
Frequency: EDTA and PC are alternated weekly, or as clinically indicated, for a course of treatments based on cardiovascular status and goals.
Support: Nutritional optimization, antioxidant therapy, and lifestyle measures to maintain cardiovascular health.

Safety & Monitoring

Labs checked before and periodically during treatment
Adequate hydration is important before and after infusions
Kidney function is monitored closely
Not recommended for patients with certain forms of kidney disease, pregnancy, or specific medical conditions unless cleared by a physician

Evaluating Your Needs

Chelation therapy is most effective when it’s part of a personalized program that includes toxin avoidance, nutritional optimization, and supportive lifestyle measures.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are concerned about heavy metal exposure, cardiovascular risk, or want to learn more about chelation therapy, contact Glendale Whole Health at (818) 551-0464 or request an appointment online. Our team will help determine if chelation therapy is right for you and design a plan tailored to your health goals.