Daily Column

November 21st, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am responding with our personal experience that ties in with the enclosed article you wrote.

My husband was diagnosed with a 50% heart blockage. Since he was not looking forward to surgery, he tried chelation. We interviewed the doctor in our town who also had a chelation center. We were assured it would handle the blockage.

After 30 treatments, I begged my husband to have another echocardiogram to compare to the previous one that indicated the blockage. Thank goodness he agreed because the blockage had worsened to 70%!

My husband had successful aortic valve replacement and bypass surgery at the Ross Heart Institute at Ohio State University. His recovery was wonderful. I am very thankful to the doctors there. I believe they not only saved his life but improved the quality of it as well.

I wrote to the doctor who performed the chelation, stating my reasons for his false hope. He replied back with double talk about how chelation is so wonderful and will cure heart problems. I believe this doctor is interested in the dollar only.

I want to thank you for your wonderful columns. My husband and I enjoy them very much and have learned many things over the years. Keep up the good work!

DEAR READER:
I have printed your article as proof that chelation is not a cure for heart disease. In fact, the only thing it is good for is treating heavy metal poisoning. In my opinion, chelation therapy should be used only for victims who have been poisoned and nothing more until there is sound medical and scientific proof that it can help other conditions as well.

I am glad to hear that your husband is doing well after his surgery. Thank you for writing to share your story.