There is a new treatment now being utilized for cardiovascular protection that is similar to EDTA chelation therapy called Plaquex.  The Plaquex program involves administration of a phospholipid to reduce plaque build up in the walls of arteries.  The essential phospholipid is called phosphatidylcholine or lecithin.  Dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons have recently started using phosphatidylcholine injections to selectively break down fat deposits under the skin.  However, the idea has been around for years and used extensively throughout Europe where studies first indicated it would remove fat from inside the blood vessels.  This theory is becoming more popular in chelation clinics where it is now being used in conjuction with EDTA chelation.

EDTA chelation is important for many reasons but primarily for removing the metals and minerals that oxidize cholesterol (damage the cholesterol and allow it to become harmful).  It is oxidized cholesterol that causes inflammation of the blood vessel wall that causes plaque to form. Chelation also shrinks established plaque which is how it improves symptoms.  The Plaquex is synergistic with chelation in that it helps to remove established plaque as opposed to being preventive.  Plaquex is more useful for patients who have symptoms of angina, leg claudication, or heavy plaque buildup seen on x-rays.  Plaque is a complex substance that is impossible to entirely remove; however, it can be decreased and prevented from increasing.

Plaquex is administered in an IV as is chelation and the treatment typically takes two hours.  The number of treatments depends on symptoms and disease severity, but averages between 20 to 30, as does chelation.  Chelation and Plaquex cannot be administered together and therefore require administration on different days.  If patients have no symptoms of angina or pain, then a chelation series is recommended first, followed by a series of Plaquex treatments.  If one does have symptoms, then one treatment of each per week is recommended.  For severe symptoms, two Plaquex treatments per week along with one EDTA is recommended.

In summary, Plaquex has been shown to reduce plaque that causes: coronary artery disease, heart attacks, strokes, angina, leg claudication pain, diabetic complications, neuropathy, hypertension.

For further information or an appointment with the doctors at Born Preventive Health Care Clinic, please call 616-656-3700. 

PATIENTS NEEDED:

PATIENTS NEEDED FOR NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH) STUDY.

Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT)

The NIH-sponsored Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) (www.tactnih.com) is a research study which will test the effectiveness of chelation therapy, an alternative therapy for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD), for patients who have survived a heart attack.

If you participate in this study, you will receive 28 months of treatment and be asked to participate in up to 32 months of follow-up.  You will not be charged for participating in this exciting study and will receive the study drug and vitamin and mineral supplements.

To be eligible to participate in TACT, you must have had a heart attack, be at least 50 years old, not be a recent smoker or have had chelation therapy for at least 5 years.

To find our more, please contact Site Coordinator Judy Schneider, LPN, of Dr. Tammy Born's office at Born Preventive Health Care Clinic, P.C., of 3700 52nd Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512.  Phone number: 616-656-3700.