Chelation Therapy

[The following ACC position statement was adopted by the ACC Executive Committee March 9, 1985 and reapproved in 1990. Reprints are available from: Educational Products Sales and Marketing; 9111 Old Georgetown Road; Bethesda, MD 20814; 800/257-4740.]

There is insufficient scientific evidence to justify the application of chelation therapy for atherosclerosis on a clinical basis. At the present time, therefore, chelation therapy for atherosclerosis should be applied only under an investigation protocol.

Furthermore, the American College of Cardiology endorses the following position of the American Medical Association (December 4, 1984) on this therapy:

RESOLVED, That the American Medical Association (AMA) lauds scientific advancements which have been made in the treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States, and be it further

RESOLVED, That AMA studies show that there is no scientific documentation that the use of chelation therapy is effective in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer, and be it further

RESOLVED, That if chelation therapy is a useful medical treatment, it is the responsibility of its proponents to (a) conduct properly controlled scientific studies, (b) adhere to Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the investigation of drugs, and (c) disseminate results of scientific studies in the usually accepted channels.

Adopted by the AMA House of Delegates on December 4, 1984.

© 1998 by the American College of Cardiology
Published by Elsevier Science Inc.

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